Telecommunications experts from major global operators, manufacturers, government agencies, and academia are participating in the events, with more than 100 attendees gathering to exchange insights and explore the future of next-generation networks.

Samsung is discussing the evolution of software-driven networks for the AI and 6G eras, as well as ecosystem-wide collaboration that creates new value across the telecommunications industry. The company is also showcasing its leadership in 6G communication technology, sharing achievements in AI-native technologies applied to its communication systems, and providing other updates.

Collaboration To Create New Network Value in the AI Era

Partner Day fostered engaging conversations grounded in the expertise and experience of leaders from across the industry. Participants examined software-driven network strategies and ecosystem-wide collaboration as the convergence of AI and networks accelerates the evolution of network infrastructure.

Samsung opened the event with a keynote highlighting the way AI is transforming the architectural foundation that has defined telecommunications networks for more than a century. The company emphasized that, moving beyond the limitations of existing technologies, the convergence of connectivity and AI will be a key driver of new ways of communication that humanity has long imagined. Drawing on the industry’s collective intelligence, Samsung then delved into the strategic direction of network evolution in the AI era.

The panel sessions centered on experiences and key lessons learned from the commercialization of virtualized networks, exploring how the ecosystem can continue to evolve. Participants also discussed ways to move beyond connectivity by developing new services and translating them into tangible business opportunities.

“Networks in the AI era are evolving into intelligent infrastructure that can understand the diverse requirements of a growing range of new services, flexibly adapt through virtualization, and deliver optimal solutions for each need,” said Angelo Jeongho Park, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Strategic Sales, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics. “Together with our industry-leading partners, Samsung has successfully commercialized virtualized networks at scale. By adding advanced AI technologies to that foundation, we will transform communications infrastructure into a new engine for growth and lead the way toward the industry’s next leap forward.”

AI-Driven Innovation in Wireless Communications

The Silicon Valley Future Wireless Summit is opening with keynote presentations from telecommunications industry experts, followed by three panel sessions — “AI-Native 6G Networks,” “Taking 6G to Space With NTN,” and “Connecting the Physical and Digital Worlds” — along with technology demonstrations. Each session includes a lecture on the topic, as well as panel discussions that facilitate dynamic exchanges between participants.

The “AI-Native 6G Networks” session positions AI as the core technology driving innovation in network performance and operational efficiency, with discussion centered on the technical challenges and global collaboration needed to evolve 6G into a truly intelligent network infrastructure.

The “Taking 6G to Space With NTN” session reviews the current status and outlook of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, discusses the technical barriers of space-based communication and satellite connectivity as a potential solution, and addresses satellite communication standards and roadmaps currently under discussion within the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

Concluding the day is the “Connecting the Physical and Digital Worlds” session, where participants are discussing new ways to deliver next-generation user experiences by sensing physical spaces and seamlessly linking them to digital services, such as Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) and physical AI.

The technology demonstration session showcases cutting-edge 6G core technologies jointly developed and validated by Samsung and partner companies, including AI RAN implementations, eXtreme Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (X-MIMO) systems, Distributed MIMO (D-MIMO) technologies, and ISAC. Samsung is demonstrating field validation results for the performance of AI-enabled RAN across all layers, transmission performance in the 6G candidate frequency band (7 GHz band), the user experience at cell boundaries, and sensing performance that utilizes base station infrastructure.

“Together, 6G and AI-native technologies represent the next step in telecommunications, bringing people closer together than ever before,” said Jinguk Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of the Advanced Communications Research Center at Samsung Research. “The Silicon Valley Future Wireless Summit 2026 demonstrates our commitment to closely collaborating with industry partners to advance telecommunications.” 

Strengthening the Global 6G Ecosystem

Silicon Valley Future Wireless Summit 2026 and Partner Day come amid Samsung’s efforts to expand its collaboration on 6G and AI-native communication technology with global partners, including telecommunications operators, research institutes, and business groups.

This year, Samsung has initiated collaboration with LG U+ and conducted field validation with Verizon at a major international soccer fan event in Dallas, Texas, for ISAC technology development. The company is also strengthening research partnerships with major telecommunications operators globally, including NTT DOCOMO, KDDI Research, KT, SK Telecom, and SoftBank. These collaborations are part of ongoing efforts to make 6G technology a reality.

Samsung will continue to deepen collaboration with global partners and advance research at the convergence of AI and communications. By connecting its research strengths with business expertise, the company aims to translate innovation into greater value for the industry and reinforce its leadership in AI-native, 6G networks.

The summit attracted approximately 100 distinguished participants, including representatives from major telecommunications operators, manufacturers, government agencies and academia. Following the official launch of 6G standardization discussions by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) in June, the industry has shifted its focus toward developing next-generation technologies that integrate AI into 6G communications. Samsung demonstrated its leadership in future communication technology at the event, unveiling achievements in AI-native technologies deployed in actual systems.

“We are focusing on integrating AI into communication systems to maximize user experience and network operational efficiency,” said JinGuk Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of the Advanced Communications Research Center at Samsung Research. “Through the Silicon Valley Future Wireless Summit, we will expand collaboration with the telecommunications industry and continue our efforts to advance next-generation communication technology.”

AI-Driven Innovation in Wireless Communications, With Full-Scale AI-RAN Technology Validation

The summit commenced with keynote presentations from telecommunications industry experts, followed by three main sessions: “New AI-Driven Services,” “AI Radio Innovation” and “AI Network Innovation,” along with technology demonstrations. Each session included a lecture on the topic, as well as panel discussions that facilitated dynamic exchanges between participants through Q&A sessions and active debates.

The “New AI-Driven Services” session focused on new wireless network services enabled by AI technology. The session came within the context of the industry having reached a consensus on the potential for AR∙XR and Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), among others.

The “AI Radio Innovation” session covered the latest developments in AI-RAN and wireless network performance optimization through AI. Furthermore, active discussions were held on AI-RAN as a core technology for 6G communications.

The “AI Network Innovation” session featured in-depth discussions on the various impacts of AI-native communication technology extending from wireless networks to wired networks and servers. Participants learned how AI will be utilized in network automation, resource management optimization and predictive maintenance to maximize network operational efficiency.

The technology demonstration session that closed out the day showcased AI-RAN technology jointly developed by Samsung and its partners. Attendees showed particular interest in the validation results demonstrating how base station communication equipment with AI-RAN autonomously makes determinations and adjustments to optimize network quality.

Leading the Development of AI-Native Next-Generation Communications Through Global Partnerships

Samsung is expanding its collaboration on 6G and AI-native communication technology with global partners, including telecommunications carriers, research institutes and consortia.

This year, the company has initiated collaboration with domestic carriers in Korea like KT — as well as global companies and research institutes such as SoftBank and KDDI Research — to enhance future communication quality. It is also participating in the Verizon 6G Innovation Forum, a global consortium leading the way in 6G technology development and commercialization.

Going forward, Samsung plans to further strengthen collaboration with global partners and continue research on the convergence of AI and communications technology to solidify its leadership in next-generation communications technology.

In line with this transformation, Samsung Electronics is building a next-generation technology ecosystem through AI-native networks and strengthening global partnerships to prepare for the 6G era.

In the final part of this interview series, Samsung Newsroom spoke with JinGuk Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of Advanced Communications Research Center (ACRC) at Samsung Electronics, about the company’s strategy to drive the convergence of telecommunications and AI for the 6G era through global partnerships.

Defining a New 6G Paradigm With AI-Native Networks

Ahead of the 6G era, the integration of AI and telecommunications is creating new value beyond performance gains. “The fusion of AI and telecommunications will deliver two core benefits — innovation in user experience and greater network efficiency through automation,” said Jeong. “To achieve this, Samsung is leading research on AI-native networks that embed AI across every layer of the telecommunications network.”

“AI native doesn’t mean applying AI to specific equipment or functions — it means embedding AI technologies throughout the entire process, from design to operation,” he continued. “For example, in the physical layer (L1), AI reduces noise in radio signals, while in the data link layer (L2), it efficiently allocates network resources for each user.” This approach enhances network performance while reducing power consumption, paving the way for a more sustainable telecommunications environment.

Advancing 6G Through Open Innovation and Collaboration

Through its AI-native approach, Samsung is developing intelligent networks that learn and optimize themselves. “Close collaboration with global telecom operators is essential to realizing the user experience innovations and operational efficiencies enabled by AI,” said Jeong. “Samsung is pursuing joint initiatives to bring these technologies to real-world network environments.”

“These efforts are driven by our open innovation strategy,” he added. “By diversifying collaborations with partners — from field trials with telecom operators to advanced research with academia and partnerships with global industry alliances — Samsung is expanding the ecosystem and taking a leading role in standardization.”

Since 2024, Samsung has strengthened its global partnerships. The company has worked with NTT DOCOMO on user-specific network optimization technologies and with KT to improve coverage and data transmission speeds in potential 6G frequency bands.

Samsung is also enhancing user experience through collaboration with KDDI Research on distributed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology. With Verizon, the company is expanding global discussions on next-generation telecommunications through the Verizon 6G Innovation Forum. In addition, Samsung has begun research with SoftBank on AI-based network performance enhancements. Moving forward, the company plans to continue strengthening its partnerships with telecom operators worldwide.

Beyond these partnerships, Samsung is expanding the AI-driven telecommunications ecosystem through global collaborations. As part of the NextG Initiative Corporate Affiliates Program, the company is co-developing next-generation 6G technologies with Princeton University. Samsung is also broadening its collaboration with leading chip vendors, including Qualcomm, Intel, Arm and NVIDIA.

“The expansion of our partnerships with major telecom operators shows our commitment to turning the technological direction outlined in our 6G white paper earlier this year into concrete research agreements,” said Jeong. “In particular, AI-RAN has moved beyond general simulations and lab-based testing and can now be validated in real-world network environments — allowing global telecom operators to directly experience its benefits. This will be a key driver in accelerating global standardization discussions.”

Global Leadership Toward 6G

Samsung is also leading technical discussions within global industry alliances, shaping the transition to the 6G era.

Since the founding of the AI-RAN Alliance in 2024, Samsung has served as vice chair of the board and chair of Working Group 3 (AI-on-RAN) — spearheading efforts to explore new services through the convergence of AI and wireless technologies. As vice chair of the board for the Next G Alliance, the company also plays a key role in driving research, development and standardization for 6G across North America. “Leveraging our industry-leading expertise in semiconductors, hardware, and software, Samsung is helping lead technical discussions and decision-making within these global alliances,” said Jeong.

Building on its strengths, Samsung continues to demonstrate leadership on the global stage by showcasing proven technologies. At international exhibitions such as Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, the company drew significant attention with its latest AI-RAN innovations. Through its own Silicon Valley Future Wireless Summit, Samsung invites telecom operators, manufacturers, government agencies, and academic experts from around the world to share the latest research and achievements in AI-powered telecommunications.

Under the theme “Future Wireless for the AI Era,” last year’s Silicon Valley Future Wireless Summit featured a live demonstration of AI-RAN technologies and explored AI integration, sustainability and user experience innovation. “This year’s summit, scheduled for November, will take place under the theme ‘Unlocking New Possibilities With AI-Centric Networks,’” said Jeong. “We plan to showcase AI-RAN technologies validated in real network environments, along with innovative real-world applications.”

Transforming Everyday Life Through Next-Generation Communications

Samsung’s ongoing participation in global alliances and international forums is ultimately aimed at creating meaningful user experiences in everyday life. “In the 6G era, we’ll go beyond improving network performance. Services such as AR and XR will become more widespread, and entirely new ones will emerge,” said Jeong. “Events like the 6G Innovation Forum will also focus on these new services.”

Mobile communications technology has evolved in roughly 10-year cycles, with each generation delivering leaps in performance. The 6G era, however, will redefine network performance and serve as a catalyst for transformative services across industries and everyday life. With ultra-high speeds, ultra-low latency and massive connectivity, 6G is expected to deliver unprecedented communication quality and differentiated user experiences.

Samsung is ushering in a new paradigm through the convergence of telecommunications and AI. By working closely with telecom operators, global industry alliances and academia, the company is leading next-generation communications innovation through ongoing technical collaboration and shared achievements.

With this fourth and final installment, the Next-Generation Communications Leadership series has explored Samsung’s 6G standardization vision, global leadership initiatives, AI-RAN research achievements and global partnership strategy. As Samsung prepares for the 6G era with its unrivaled leadership, the company is poised to bring meaningful change to everyday life.

Samsung Electronics today hosted the Silicon Valley Future Wireless Summit under the theme “Future Wireless for the AI Era” in Mountain View, California.

Following the announcement of 5G-Advanced standards by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP¹) in March, the industry anticipates an expanded application of AI technology in telecommunications. In particular, as preparations for 6G communications intensify, interest in next-generation communication technologies utilizing AI continues to grow.

In this environment, Samsung Electronics organized the Silicon Valley Future Wireless Summit to share the vision and possibilities that come with a communications system that applies AI technology.

The event attracted approximately 80 distinguished participants, including representatives from major telecommunications operators, manufacturers, government agencies and academia from various countries, who engaged in comprehensive discussions about the trajectory of research and technologies for AI-native² communications.

“Since the introduction of 5G, the telecommunications market has increasingly focused on enhancing user experience alongside performance improvements through innovative technologies like AI and energy efficiency advancements,” said Angelo Jeongho Park, Vice President of Samsung Research’s Advanced Communications Research Center at Samsung Electronics. “Starting with this summit, we will help industry and academic leaders to work together to continue the much-needed research already being carried out on the convergence of AI and wireless communication technologies, making the user experience even better.”

Sharing Developments in AI-Native Communication Technology: The Direction of Next-Gen Communication Research

The summit commenced with a keynote presentation from industry experts titled, “Shaping the Future of Next Generation Mobile Communication,” followed by three main sessions: “AI-Native Communication,” “Sustainability: Energy Saving & Efficiency,” and “Innovations to Drive Future Wireless.” Each session included panel discussions, facilitating dynamic exchanges between participants through Q&A sessions and active debates.

In “AI-Native Communication,” participants carried out an in-depth discussion on the potential benefits of AI-Native being applied to all areas of telecommunications, as well as emerging services and key challenges that require resolution.

“Sustainability: Energy Saving & Efficiency” focused on key technologies and required research for sustainable 6G communication systems that are emerging as major technical trends — including energy savings and efficiency improvements.

Later on, the discussions between panelists at “Innovations to Drive Future Wireless” explored the 6G network architecture innovations needed to provide services and user experiences that are more differentiated than those provided by 5G.

The technical demonstration session that closed out the day introduced AI radio access network (RAN) technology that has been jointly developed by Samsung Electronics and its partners. The cutting-edge technology that applies AI to RAN enhances base station quality by optimizing key performance factors such as spectral efficiency and energy efficiency.

The event facilitated the valuable exchange of information between key players while also addressing the path forward for the industry, which will see the convergence of AI and wireless communication technologies.

Improving User Experiences With AI-Native Next-Gen Communication Technology

Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics continues its efforts to expand the global influence of next-generation communication technologies utilizing AI.

In February this year, the company served as a founding member of the AI-RAN Alliance, currently holding board membership and vice chairing the AI on RAN working group. In July, Samsung secured the chairpersonship of the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) 6G standardization group in the radio communication sector, demonstrating its commitment to 6G research and ecosystem development. The company has also been reappointed as vice chair of the board of directors at Next G Alliance (NGA), strengthening its leadership in AI-native communications technology even further.

Additionally, the company actively solidified its collaborative efforts in August, when it signed a memorandum of understanding with Japanese mobile carrier NTT DOCOMO for joint research on the application of AI in next-generation communications.

¹ 3GPP is dedicated to developing the global unified technical specifications for mobile communications.
² AI-native technologies are fundamentally designed and built around AI from inception, rather than having AI added at a later stage.