South Korean telecom SK Telecom has launched SKT GPUaaS, an on-demand GPU cloud service for AI workloads.

South Korean telecoms provider SK Telecom (SKT) has launched SKT GPUaaS, an on-demand AI cloud service operating from its AI Data Center (AIDC) in Seoul. To support this initiative, SKT invested in Lambda, a global GPU cloud company, to secure stable GPU supplies and expertise, positioning itself to compete in the growing AI infrastructure market.

SKT GPUaaS enables businesses to select the number and duration of GPUs based on the scale or purpose of their AI services, with customizable packages including 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 stated in its market announcement. The service leverages the AI Cloud Manager, launched in October, which manages multiple GPU resources as a single unit to maximize performance and reduce the learning time required for AI development.

The newly launched service currently operates on NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs, with plans to introduce NVIDIA H200 Tensor Core GPUs in the first quarter of 2025. By bringing the H200 to South Korea, SKT aims to create an environment where domestic companies can develop AI technology and services more rapidly while expanding its customer base.

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