[Edaily Reporter Kim Hyun-ah ] As we enter the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and 6G, calls to reform telecommunications regulations are growing louder. With the “decoupling”—where data traffic is rapidly increasing while revenue remains stagnant—intensifying, there is a growing need for new systems and revenue models to support investment in next-generation networks.

The argument is that while network value was previously assessed primarily based on data usage, in the AI era, network quality itself—including speed, latency, and stability—must be directly linked to revenue. In particular, some have argued that the principle of net neutrality needs to be applied more flexibly to services requiring high-quality connectivity, such as autonomous driving and physical AI. A “launch first, verify later” approach—where innovative services are launched first and then regulated—has also been proposed.

The Ministry of Science and ICT has also stated its intention to refine telecommunications regulations and governance to align with an era where everything—including AI, the cloud, and the Internet of Things—is interconnected.

At a forum titled “Network Policy and Revenue Model Strategies for the AX and 6G Era: Focusing on the Analysis and Implications of the EU Digital Network Act (DNA),” hosted on the 17th by the Center for Technology Law and Policy at Korea University (Director: Professor Lee Seong-yeop), discussions continued regarding incentives for network investment and directions for regulatory reform in the AX (AI Transformation) era.

Three Major Telecom Companies: “Incentives for Next-Generation Network Investment Are Needed Rather Than Rate Competition”

Representatives from the three major telecom companies—KTCorporation(030200), SKTelecom(017670), and LG Uplus(032640) —unanimously agreed that to continue investing in next-generation networks, policymakers must move away from policies centered on subscriber acquisition and rate reductions.

Seo Eun-il, an executive at KTCorporation, pointed out that the “decoupling of investment and value”—where the value and profits generated by network investment diverge—is intensifying.

He explained that if services requiring high-quality connectivity—such as autonomous driving and physical AI—are treated solely in the same manner as existing internet services, the incentive to invest could diminish. He argued that investment incentives are needed, such as a “launch-first, verify-later” approach for innovative services and relief from the financial burden of 6G spectrum allocation fees.

Shin Sang-min, Executive Vice President of SKTelecom, cited the example of France, where intensified competition following the introduction of a fourth mobile carrier actually led to market restructuring, and stated that policies are needed to sustain investment in next-generation networks.

He also proposed securing funding for future network investments by improving regulations for mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) and accelerating the transition away from legacy networks, such as 3G and copper wire networks.

Lee Kyu-hwa, Senior Managing Director at LG Uplus, pointed out that the operating profit margins of domestic telecommunications companies remain in the 7% range, lower than those of global telecommunications companies. He called for regulatory improvements, noting that differentiated services utilizing technologies such as network slicing are not being fully utilized due to concerns over protecting general users.

Nam Seok, Director General of Communications Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT: “Reforming the System to Meet the Era of AI and the Internet of Things”

Nam Seok,

Director General of Communications Policy

at

the Ministry of Science and ICT

, agreed that the focus of communications policy needs to be expanded from person-to-person

communication

to next-generation infrastructure policies that connect

objects

, AI, and the cloud.

Director Nam proposed the following future policy directions: designing a comprehensive legal framework that goes beyond the Telecommunications Business Act; establishing systems to promote network investment; and building a governance structure to coordinate a complex industrial ecosystem.

He stated, “Given that this is a completely new environment, rather than presenting a perfect solution all at once, we will set out a direction and rationale, consult with operators, and achieve regulatory improvements through social consensus.”

The intent is to establish new rules that go beyond the existing framework of telecommunications regulations to accommodate an environment where AI, the cloud, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are interconnected.

Academia: “In the Age of Agent AI, a Quality-Guaranteed Revenue Model Is Needed”

Opinions have emerged in academic and legal circles that telecommunications companies’ revenue models must also evolve to suit the AI era.

KAIST Professor Kim Min-ki analyzed that telecommunications companies’ revenue models need to evolve from human-centric traffic-based billing to a “quality-guaranteed model” that takes into account new economic actors, such as Agent AI.

He explained that for B2B services—such as robotics, telemedicine, and smart factories—where the costs of communication disruptions are significant, differentiated services can be provided by combining network slicing with security measures.

Jang Kyung-hee, Executive Chair of the 6G Forum (Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Inha University), predicted that 6G will evolve beyond simple telecommunications into a form that combines computing and sensing. She added that telecom carriers must also expand their roles to become platform providers offering AI infrastructure and services.

Bang Seong-hyun, an attorney at Kim & Jang Law Firm, pointed out that the current Telecommunications Business Act remains stuck in the existing framework that distinguishes between basic telecommunications operators and value-added telecommunications operators, and stressed the need to reform the legal framework to align with the changing roles of operators in the AI era.

He also emphasized the need to establish an institutional framework that allows telecommunications carriers to recoup their investment costs in next-generation networks. The challenges facing telecommunications carriers in the AI and 6G era go beyond simply handling increased traffic. The key lies in how to convert rising traffic and network quality into new revenue streams.