South Korea, November 2026 – Telecommunications operator KT and Samsung Electronics have jointly developed an AI-powered wireless network optimisation technology to address communication interruptions experienced by passengers travelling on high-speed trains. The solution uses artificial intelligence to analyse network performance and improve signal handovers between mobile base stations when trains travel at speeds exceeding 250 km/h.
The technology addresses a recurring challenge in high-speed railway environments, where trains move rapidly between the coverage areas of different base stations. Delays in transferring connections from one station to another can interrupt data transmission and reduce call quality. By analysing communication data, including signal strength and connection failure records, the companies identified delayed network handovers as a major cause of connectivity disruptions.
A demonstration was conducted along the Gyeongbu High-Speed Railway between Godeok-myeon in Pyeongtaek and Maesong-myeon in Hwaseong. The AI system identified sections experiencing repeated communication problems and adjusted the timing of connections between base stations to initiate handovers earlier. Following implementation, the communication dropout rate decreased by approximately 29%, reducing the equivalent of 100 interruptions to around 71.
The development was highlighted by representatives from both companies as an advancement in improving wireless communication quality in high-mobility environments. Samsung Electronics' Advanced Communications Research Center and KT's Future Network Lab will continue joint research and verification in the AI-based Radio Access Network (AI-RAN) field. KT is also considering opportunities to apply the technology to operational high-speed railway sections. Notably, the demonstrated optimisation relies on AI-driven data analysis and software adjustments rather than requiring additional network equipment.
The initiative reflects the growing convergence of railway operations, telecommunications and artificial intelligence. As passenger expectations for uninterrupted video streaming, digital communication and onboard connectivity increase, AI-based network optimisation could become an important component of future railway infrastructure, particularly across high-speed corridors where maintaining stable wireless connections presents significant technical challenges.
Source: BigGo Finance
KT and Samsung Use AI to Reduce High-Speed Rail Communication Dropouts by 29%
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Reliable mobile connectivity is becoming an increasingly important part of the high-speed rail passenger experience, particularly as train speeds increase and demand for onboard digital services grows. South Korea's KT and Samsung Electronics have demonstrated an artificial intelligence-based network optimisation solution that reduced communication dropouts by approximately 29% on a section of the country's Gyeongbu High-Speed Railway.
