Data Centres & Networks

MoU aims to aims to shorten AI data centre construction timelines

AI-focused company SK Telecom has signed a three-party memorandum of understanding (MoU) with global server manufacturer Supermicro and global mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) leader Schneider Electric to develop a total solution for artificial intelligence data centres (AIDC).

The agreement, signed at MWC26, aims to shorten AIDC construction timelines and help alleviate supply bottlenecks by leveraging the combined expertise of the three companies.

Known for some time as South Korea's largest wireless telecommunications operator, SK Telecom says it is rapidly transforming into an AI company with a strong global presence. It is focusing on driving innovations in areas of AI infrastructure, AI transformation (AIX) and AI service

The companies say they will collaborate on a prefabricated modular model that integrates AI computing servers with supporting power and cooling infrastructure into a single pre-manufactured module, enabling AIDCs to be constructed in a building-block configuration.

Compared with the conventional steel-reinforced concrete (SRC) method, in which servers and infrastructure are installed sequentially after completion of the data centre building, the pre-fabricated modular model offers both faster deployment and improved cost efficiency.

In addition, modules can be deployed in phases as demand grows, enhancing scalability while reducing the burden of significant upfront investments and enabling flexible responses to evolving market needs.

Under the MOU, SK Telecom will contribute its AIDC operational expertise and Supermicro will provide high-performance GPU servers optimised for customer-specific AI computing scenarios. Schneider Electric will deliver MEP infrastructure design and construction capabilities to reliably support large-scale AI demand.

Schneider's involvement in the AIDC business is not a new development. In early February we reported that SoleCrypt, a developer of sustainable digital infrastructure, and SchneiderElectric had signed an MoU to study and co-develop next generation sustainable AI data centres in Tunisia.



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