Seoul: Samsung Electronics Co. announced on Tuesday that it has successfully completed a pivotal technology trial aimed at commercializing sixth-generation (6G) networks in collaboration with U.S. mobile carrier Verizon Communications Inc. The trial, which took place at a major international soccer fan event in Texas, utilized artificial intelligence (AI)-powered Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) to enable real-time sensing-driven intelligence across a virtualized network.

According to Yonhap News Agency, this achievement represents one of the first practical implementations of a core 6G technology. It demonstrates how operators can employ software-driven network architectures to develop infrastructure that actively perceives, understands, and responds to its environment. The ISAC trial involved the integration of commercial AI-powered virtualized radio access network (vRAN) and virtualized core network (vCore) technologies with an ISAC application, allowing it to utilize connectivity from a 5G network without additional equipment.

"This successful ISAC trial underscores how Verizon's decision to adopt a software-driven, AI-powered vRAN early on laid a solid foundation, positioning the company at the forefront of the 6G journey," said Ji-Yun-seol, executive vice president and head of product strategy for Samsung's networks business. Samsung has also announced its participation in the Verizon-led Verizon 6G Innovation Forum, which includes other tech giants like Meta Platforms Inc., Ericsson, Nokia Corp., and Qualcomm Inc.