TLDR: Samsung Electronics and SoftBank Corp. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly research and develop next-generation communication technologies, focusing on AI-powered 6G networks. The collaboration will explore AI-RAN technologies, including AI for RAN, AI and RAN integration, and SoftBank’s Large Telecom Model, aiming to enhance network efficiency, reliability, and user experience.
In a significant stride towards the future of telecommunications, Samsung Electronics and SoftBank Corp. announced on October 24, 2025, a strategic partnership to collaborate on advanced AI-driven 6G network technologies. This alliance is formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at joint research into next-generation communication systems, with a particular emphasis on Artificial Intelligence-based Radio Access Network (AI-RAN) innovations.
The collaboration will concentrate on four pivotal areas: 6G, AI for RAN, AI and RAN integration technology, and SoftBank’s proprietary Large Telecom Model (LTM), also referred to as Telco LLM. These domains have been identified as critical for future technological acquisition and are expected to redefine wireless network capabilities.
AI-RAN technologies are poised to play a crucial role in optimizing wireless networks, integrating AI workloads with base station operations for enhanced efficiency and user experiences. The partnership seeks to leverage AI for various network functions, including optimized traffic management for faster and more reliable connectivity, predictive maintenance for telecom equipment, and significant energy efficiency improvements across network operations. The potential application of Generative AI within communication networks is also a key research area.
JinGuk Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of Advanced Communications Research Center (ACRC) at Samsung Research, emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration. “Through this collaboration with SoftBank, we aim to define meaningful use cases for both operators and end users, while securing key technologies for future commercialization,” said Jeong. He added, “Building on our advanced expertise in AI-RAN and 6G, Samsung will continue to lead innovation in next-generation communications.”
Echoing this sentiment, Hideyuki Tsukuda, Executive Vice President and CTO of SoftBank Corp., stated, “We are very pleased to collaborate with Samsung, a global leader in communications technologies. By combining our advanced expertise, we will accelerate the realization of next-generation networks that evolve to become more efficient and highly reliable through AI-RAN.” Tsukuda further highlighted SoftBank’s commitment to building social infrastructure where AI and humans coexist.
The agreement includes plans for field trials utilizing the 7 GHz band, a leading candidate for 6G mobile use. This year marks a significant push towards 6G standardization, with ongoing discussions about new frequency bands. The research conducted by Samsung and SoftBank in this spectrum could significantly influence early 6G deployment models.
SoftBank will contribute its Large Telecom Model, a generative AI foundation model specifically designed for telecommunications. This model is intended to automate network-optimization workflows, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure secure data interoperability across distributed systems.
Both companies are also founding members of the AI-RAN Alliance, established in early 2024, which aims to improve RAN performance and capabilities through AI. This partnership builds upon SoftBank’s previous agreements with other industry leaders like Nokia and Ericsson, further solidifying the industry’s collective effort towards AI-driven network evolution.
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Samsung Electronics, through its ACRC under Samsung Research, continues to be at the forefront of 6G and AI-powered communication technologies. The company is also slated to host the Silicon Valley Future Wireless Summit in November, fostering dialogue among industry, academia, and government on AI-RAN research.
