SK Telecom is set to significantly bolster its artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure by deploying NVIDIA's latest GPUs, the H200, at its Gasan AI Data Center by March 2024. This initiative marks a key step forward for South Korea's leading telecommunications operator as it looks to sharpen its competitive edge in the rapidly growing AI market.
On December 22, 2023, during the 2025 broadcast and telecommunications New Year's gathering at Seoul's COEX convention center, CEO Yeo Sang-yeop expressed enthusiasm over the upcoming technology upgrade. "The H100 has already been introduced, and the H200 is expected by March. Plans are progressing smoothly," Yeo stated, emphasizing SK Telecom's commitment to enhancing its AI capabilities and service offerings.
The evolution of SK Telecom's AI operations is evidenced by its previous introduction of the H100 GPUs, which laid the groundwork for subscription-based GPU services (GPUaaS) available to enterprises and developers. The anticipated deployment of the H200, which boasts superior performance compared to its predecessor, is expected to make these AI services even more powerful and versatile.
Yeo also commented on recent news of significant investments by OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank, who plan to spend up to $500 billion (approximately 718 trillion won) on AI infrastructure projects in the United States. He remarked, "It's a remarkable project. If it's real, we must strive for something similar here. I believe our country could see similar initiatives take shape." This sentiment reflects Yeo's broader vision for eleviating South Korea's position within the global tech ecosystem.
To facilitate such expansions, the South Korean government is pursuing initiatives including the establishment of the National AI Computing Center, with projected investments as high as 2 trillion won. When asked about SK Telecom's potential participation in this consortium, Yeo assured reporters of the company’s willingness to collaborate closely with government efforts, stating, "Currently, I haven’t received any confirmations, but our fundamental principle is to work well with the government’s plans."
SK Telecom’s forward momentum also includes adjustments to its wholesale pricing negotiations for the mobile sector. Transitioning to post-regulation talks with alternative telecom operators, Yeo expressed confidence, stating, "We are addressing this through mutual discussions effectively, and I foresee no significant problems moving forward."
These developments hint at SK Telecom's broader strategy: leveraging cutting-edge technology to expand its AI capabilities, ensuring competitive positioning not just domestically but also on the global stage. With the introduction of the H200 and increased investments, the possibilities for innovation seem boundless.
By fostering various AI services and stimulating the infrastructure needed to access international markets, SK Telecom aims to establish itself as not only a leader within South Korea but also as a formidable player globally. Yeo encapsulated this ambitious outlook during the press conference, expressing the need for conditions favorable to AI market entry worldwide. "We need various AI services to develop and create conditions to enter the global market," he concluded.