Samsung and KT Smash Milestone: Live 6G AI-RAN Trial Proves Next-Gen Network Reality

Forget lab demos. The future of connectivity just got real on a live commercial network.

The Proof is in the Packet

Samsung and KT didn't just simulate 6G's potential—they unleashed it on actual infrastructure. This trial moves the needle from theoretical white papers to tangible, operational tech. It's a massive leap, proving that AI-integrated Radio Access Networks (AI-RAN) can handle real-world traffic and complexity.

Why This Trial Cuts Through the Hype

Live network conditions are the ultimate stress test. They bypass controlled environments to reveal how systems handle interference, legacy equipment, and unpredictable user demand. Success here signals that the foundational architecture isn't just viable—it's ready for the next phase of scaling.

The Cynic's Corner

While engineers celebrate a technical triumph, finance bros are already calculating the ROI on '6G' as a buzzword for their next pitch deck. Let's see if the market cap grows as fast as the data speeds.

This collaboration doesn't just enable faster downloads—it redefines the network's intelligence. The race to commercialize just hit hyperdrive.

TLDRs;

• Samsung and KT completed the first live 6G AI-RAN test for 18,000 users.
• AI-driven optimization aims to improve connectivity and manage future high data demands.
• Trial metrics remain undisclosed, leaving readiness and performance details unclear to public.
• Telecom industry sees growing AI-RAN adoption, boosting demand for edge AI hardware.

Samsung Electronics, in collaboration with KT, has successfully conducted a 6G AI radio access network (AI-RAN) trial on KT’s commercial network in South Korea.

The field test, executed by Samsung Research and KT’s Future Network Laboratory, engaged approximately 18,000 users across multiple locations in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. This milestone represents the first live demonstration of 6G AI-RAN technology on a functioning network, following earlier simulations completed in June.

AI-Powered Networks Promise Smarter Connectivity

The AI-RAN system leverages artificial intelligence to automatically adjust network configurations for individual users, enhancing connectivity and aiming to minimize issues such as call drops and slow data speeds. Samsung and KT have highlighted the technology’s potential in managing the higher data usage anticipated in next-generation 6G networks.

By personalizing network settings at the user level, AI-RAN could allow operators to maintain stable performance even as data demands increase dramatically.

Trial Metrics Remain Undisclosed

While the trial’s completion is a significant step, Samsung and KT have not released specific metrics such as throughput, latency, or connection drop rates. Past AI-RAN simulations indicated improvements, including up to an 8.65% throughput increase and fewer dropped connections, along with an 87% detection rate for connection failures and 92% accuracy in addressing them.

However, the results of the Seongnam trial at this larger scale remain unclear. The demonstration may have utilized the 3.5 GHz mid-band spectrum and massive MIMO configurations, such as 32T32R or 64T64R antenna arrays, though full technical details were not disclosed.

Telecom Industry Eyes Growing AI-RAN Demand

The success of Samsung and KT’s test signals broader interest in AI-RAN technology globally. Telecom vendors and equipment manufacturers are increasingly exploring AI-powered network solutions. This trend drives demand for GPU and Neural Processing Unit (NPU) edge hardware, RAN Intelligent Controllers (RIC), and Machine Learning Operations (MLOps).

Companies such as Qualcomm, Intel, and Nvidia are positioned to benefit as telecom operators expand AI-RAN trials beyond South Korea, with major players including NTT DOCOMO, KDDI, Verizon, and SoftBank engaging in similar pilot programs.

Energy efficiency has emerged as a key consideration for telecom operators evaluating AI-RAN deployments. High-power GPUs, like those from NVIDIA, consume around 300 watts, prompting interest in lower-power AI accelerators that deliver similar optimization benefits without steep energy costs. This balance of performance and efficiency could shape the design of future edge computing infrastructure.

Looking Ahead to 6G Network

The Seongnam trial represents a pre-6G validation step, with full-scale 6G deployments expected to begin around 2026. As AI-RAN technology matures, it could become an essential tool for managing increasingly complex and data-heavy networks, providing faster, more reliable, and intelligent connectivity for users worldwide.

For Samsung, KT, and the broader telecom industry, this successful field test underscores the growing role of AI in shaping the future of mobile communications.