SK Telecom to Release a Custom-Made AI, Telco LLM

SK Telecom, in collaboration with AI giants such as OpenAI and Anthropic, is set to deploy Telco LLM, a telecom-specialized Large Language Model (LLM), in June

• Telco LLM is finely tuned to comprehend intricate concepts specific to the telecommunications industry.
• Telco LLM boasts the capability to significantly reduce customer service response times.

SK Telecom will deploy Telco LLM, a telecom-specialized Large Language Model (LLM), in June, marking a significant leap forward in AI applications within the telecom sector.

The telco collaborated on the new AI with AI giants such as OpenAI and Anthropic. It is tailored specifically for the complexities of the telecommunications industry. Unlike generic LLMs, Telco LLM is finely tuned to comprehend intricate concepts such as mobile plans, membership benefits, and device subsidies. Thus, it can deliver highly accurate and efficient customer service solutions.

Eric Davis, vice president and head of AI tech collaboration at SK Telecom, emphasized the challenges of addressing telecom-related issues with a single general-purpose LLM. He stated, “We have created various Telco LLMs through fine-tuning and benchmarking tailored to telecom data and domain know-how, making it possible to select and use the most suitable model for various situations.”

One of the key advantages of Telco LLM is its ability to significantly reduce customer service response times. According to the telco, the current average response time of over 3 minutes and 30 seconds is expected to plummet with the introduction of the telcos’s AI. The model enables consultants to provide solutions to customers in real time during calls.

However, Telco LLM is not limited to customer service centers, the telco’s AI extends its utility across various sectors within SK Telecom and beyond. Jeong Min-young, vice president of the company and head of its AI platform, expressed, “Telco LLM will increase operational efficiency not only in customer service centers but also in other sectors such as marketing, supply chain, customer touchpoints, and even internal operations such as legal services and human resources management.”

SK Telecom is also set to unveil a Korean language LLM tailored specifically for telecommunications services in June.

Imagine if every industry had its own specially tailored AI, not just telcos. These LLMs would provide in-depth knowledge and understanding of the industry-specific terminologies, processes, and challenges. All of that will allow the model to generate more relevant and accurate responses.

These specialized AIs can then handle tasks that require a nuanced understanding of the industry-specific landscape. Users will be more willing to entrust the LLMs to automate routine tasks, freeing up professionals to focus on more complex issues.

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