[Edaily Reporter Yun Junghoon ]SKTelecom(017670)is accelerating efforts to build an autonomous network ecosystem powered by artificial intelligence (AI). The company’s strategy is to resolve the issue of network operation fragmentation by leveraging global telecommunications standards and to lead the “AI telecommunications revolution” in partnership with telecom operators worldwide.

SKT announced on the 25th that it officially unveiled its strategy to promote autonomous networks based on global standards at “DTW Ignite 2026,” an event hosted by the global telecommunications industry association “TM Forum” in Copenhagen, Denmark.

TM Forum is a global telecommunications industry association comprising over 240 telecommunications carriers, IT companies, and software vendors worldwide. At this event, SKT drew attention by presenting a concrete network strategy aligned with the forum’s standards. An autonomous network refers to a next-generation operating model in which human intervention is minimized and AI independently operates and manages the network.

SKT cited the limitations of existing autonomous networks as the reason for adopting TM Forum standards. The company explained that proprietary methods varying by company or equipment had constrained scalability, and that domestic operating systems were also separated by domain, making interconnection and integration difficult.

For AI to function properly, it is crucial that systems and data be unified under a “common language”—that is, global standards. SKT added that TM Forum standards are not an option but an essential prerequisite for implementing autonomous networks.

To advance its autonomous network initiative, SKT has identified four key areas of focus: △redefining operational workflows, △establishing a data ontology, △transitioning to a next-generation Operations Support System (OSS), and △standardizing Agent AI agents.

SKT plans to collaborate closely with global companies, such as AWS, throughout this process. Through this collaboration, the company aims to enhance network flexibility and scalability by, for example, integrating and controlling network equipment from various vendors through a single AI solution.

SKT also plans to strengthen its in-house development capabilities based on AX (AI Transformation) to drive productivity innovation and improve operational efficiency. Currently, SKT employees are directly developing and operating more than 1,000 autonomous network platforms and AI agents.

A prime example is “Spider,” an AI monitoring system that provides integrated monitoring of all core network equipment and automatically detects anomalies and recommends corrective actions. SKT explained that “Spider” has improved efficiency and stability by consolidating monitoring systems that were previously separated by equipment type.

SKT plans to accelerate its transition to next-generation OSS and the implementation of autonomous networks with the goal of achieving Autonomous Network Level 4, as defined by the TM Forum. Level 4 is a stage where human intervention is minimized and the system independently understands and makes decisions on its own; SKT expects this to enable more efficient and stable network operations.

Ahn Hong-beom, Head of Network AT/DT at SKT, stated, “Building an autonomous network based on global standards will go beyond mere technological innovation to drive a paradigm shift across the entire telecommunications industry.” He added, “We will strive to build an autonomous network ecosystem in collaboration with telecommunications carriers worldwide through TM Forum standards and provide customers with stable and intelligent telecommunications services.”