SKT says it has been preparing to launch its cloud service as part of its dedicated AIDC business by investing in Lambda, a global GPU cloud company, to secure stable GPU supplies and expertise.

SKT GPUaaS enables businesses to choose the number and duration of GPUs depending on the scale or purpose of AI services, and can configure customised packages, such as standalone servers, firewalls and dedicated lines.

"Prices are flexibly determined depending on the contract period, the number of GPUs, and the form of prepaid billing," SKT said in its announcement to the market.

"By utilising the ‘AI Cloud Manager’ launched last October, GPU resources can be managed more efficiently.

"The AI Cloud Manager is a solution that manages numerous GPU resources as if they were a single computer to maximise GPU performance and support reducing the learning time required for AI development."

The newly launched SKT GPUaaS launched is based on NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs, and SKT plans to introduce one of the latest GPUs, NVIDIA H200 Tensor Core, in the first quarter of 2025.

By introducing the H200 in South Korea, SKT says it plans to create an environment where domestic companies can develop AI technology and services more quickly, and also to boost the expansion of GPUaaS customers.

“The introduction of GPUaaS marks the first instance of our AI Data Center business actively reaching out to customers,” said Kim Myong-gook, head of SK Telecom’s GPUaaS business.

"This is a crucial step in positioning SK Telecom as a major force in the AI infrastructure arena.

“Our goal is to boost our clients' competitiveness by leveraging our GPU as a platform for their AI services.”