[Edaily Reporter Lee So-Hyun ] SKTelecom(017670)(SKT) is stepping up its efforts to manage communication quality using artificial intelligence (AI)-based network monitoring technology ahead of the summer vacation season.

SKT announced on the 16th that it has established a “Special Summer Vacation Season Communication Plan” utilizing AI-based network operation and monitoring technology, and will operate a special communication command center from the 20th of this month through the 31st of next month.

SKT will conduct both preemptive inspections and real-time monitoring, focusing on areas where traffic is expected to surge due to increased travel during the vacation season, as well as high-traffic public facilities. The company plans to strengthen its response system to ensure customers can use communication services seamlessly while on the move or at their vacation destinations.

At the core of these efforts are “A-One” and “Spider,” AI network solutions developed in-house and brought to market. A-One supports coverage analysis, traffic forecasting based on historical event data, and quality monitoring linked to Agent AI. Spider integrates and analyzes alarms and statistical data from core network equipment to detect anomalies and propose corrective measures. SKT plans to use these tools to monitor traffic in areas expected to experience congestion during the vacation season and take preemptive action if any anomalies are detected.

SKT will conduct preemptive inspections and real-time monitoring across all areas—including core, transmission, wireless, roaming, and disaster response—in collaboration with experts from subsidiaries such as SK Broadband and SK O&S, as well as partner companies.

There are approximately 1,100 key locations nationwide under intensive management. SKT has designated major transportation hubs—such as highways, national roads, airports, KTX stations, and terminals—as well as beaches, recreational forests, campgrounds, tourist attractions, resorts, hotels, shopping malls, supermarkets, and downtown areas as key focus areas. In these areas, the company will optimize network capacity and strengthen on-site inspections. In particular, the company plans to step up monitoring and on-site response efforts from August 1 to 15, when vacation demand is expected to peak.

The company will also focus on managing communication quality at major festival sites nationwide, including water festivals and local events. Mobile base stations and temporary communication facilities will be deployed at venues expected to attract large crowds, and the company will conduct pre-event network inspections alongside real-time monitoring on the day of the event, tailored to each event’s specific characteristics.

The company has also prepared in advance for increased roaming demand due to a rise in international travel. SKT anticipates that the number of international roaming users during the summer vacation period will increase by up to 20% compared to June (a typical month), and has therefore expanded the capacity of its international roaming signal processing system and key relay sections in advance.

The company has also reviewed its disaster and heatwave response systems. SKT has completed preemptive inspections of approximately 4,900 communication facilities nationwide. It assessed the safety of facilities and the risk of flooding in low-lying areas, and conducted special inspections of emergency generators and related facilities in island regions vulnerable to disasters.

The company is also maintaining its control and on-site response systems to ensure that emergency repair personnel and equipment can be deployed immediately in the event of damage caused by extreme weather events such as typhoons and torrential rains.

Bok Jae-won, Head of Network Operations at SKT, said, “We will use AI-based traffic forecasting and network monitoring to anticipate potential congestion during the vacation season and respond swiftly,” adding, “We will spare no effort to ensure that customers can use our communication services smoothly anytime, anywhere.”