SK Telecom AI Data Center Architecture Gains ITU-T International Standard Approval
You're reading Entrepreneur Asia Pacific, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.
SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM) announced that its AI Data Center interconnection architecture, titled “Signalling Requirements and Architecture for Artificial Intelligence Data Centers (AIDC),” has been approved as an international standard by ITU-T Study Group 11 (SG11).
The new standard establishes a global framework for AI Data Center system interconnection, defining a three-layer architecture—Service, Management, and Infrastructure—and specifying signalling requirements for communication between layers. It provides a benchmark for enterprises and organizations worldwide to develop and operate AI infrastructure efficiently and securely.
SK Telecom first proposed the standardization project in May 2024. Following reviews and international discussions, it was officially approved in March 2026, marking a milestone in global AI infrastructure standardization.
“The approval of this standard recognizes SK Telecom’s expertise and operational know-how in AI Data Centers,” said Choi Dong-hee, Head of AI Strategy Planning Office at SK Telecom. “We will continue strengthening our technological competitiveness and contribute to the expansion of the global AI ecosystem.”
The standard comes as AI services drive increasing complexity in data center operations, requiring integrated management of computing, storage, power, cooling, security, and resource allocation. The framework is expected to accelerate global adoption of AI Data Centers and serve as a reference for industry best practices.
About SK Telecom
SK Telecom has been a leader in the mobile industry since 1984 and is rapidly transforming into a global AI company. Its focus spans AI Infrastructure, AI Transformation (AIX), and AI Services, aiming to deliver innovation and value to industries and society.
SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM) announced that its AI Data Center interconnection architecture, titled “Signalling Requirements and Architecture for Artificial Intelligence Data Centers (AIDC),” has been approved as an international standard by ITU-T Study Group 11 (SG11).
The new standard establishes a global framework for AI Data Center system interconnection, defining a three-layer architecture—Service, Management, and Infrastructure—and specifying signalling requirements for communication between layers. It provides a benchmark for enterprises and organizations worldwide to develop and operate AI infrastructure efficiently and securely.
SK Telecom first proposed the standardization project in May 2024. Following reviews and international discussions, it was officially approved in March 2026, marking a milestone in global AI infrastructure standardization.
“The approval of this standard recognizes SK Telecom’s expertise and operational know-how in AI Data Centers,” said Choi Dong-hee, Head of AI Strategy Planning Office at SK Telecom. “We will continue strengthening our technological competitiveness and contribute to the expansion of the global AI ecosystem.”
The standard comes as AI services drive increasing complexity in data center operations, requiring integrated management of computing, storage, power, cooling, security, and resource allocation. The framework is expected to accelerate global adoption of AI Data Centers and serve as a reference for industry best practices.
About SK Telecom
SK Telecom has been a leader in the mobile industry since 1984 and is rapidly transforming into a global AI company. Its focus spans AI Infrastructure, AI Transformation (AIX), and AI Services, aiming to deliver innovation and value to industries and society.
