SKT to introduce ‘perceived-satisfaction-based’ network management technology at Busan Fireworks Festival

[Financial News] SKT is introducing a metric that assesses the service quality users actually experience as part of its network quality management for the Busan Fireworks Festival. The company plans to analyze expected crowds, the types of services being used and quality by location to operate the network at the venue reliably.
SKT said on the 5th that it had prepared special measures ahead of the 21st Busan Fireworks Festival, which will be held on the 7th around Gwangalli Beach in Busan. The festival will run from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. that day. Attendance is expected to exceed 1.2 million this year, following 1.03 million in 2024 and 1.17 million last year.
SKT has added a ‘perceived quality satisfaction rate’ metric to its existing artificial intelligence (AI) operations system. The metric indicates the proportion of webpages and content delivered smoothly while users access services, without data loss or transmission delays. The approach goes beyond quality management focused on peak speeds to assess whether services are being provided reliably.
SKT classifies the services people use into four types based on traffic characteristics: web, social media (SNS), business collaboration and high-definition streaming. It identifies locations where quality has deteriorated using GPS coordinates at the grid level to pinpoint problem areas. AI analysis of location data is used to determine whether users are traveling on KTX or the subway, live in the area, and so on, and to assess quality in each situation.
On the day of the festival, SKT will manage network quality based on a comprehensive assessment of the event area's characteristics, expected crowds and the types of services being used. Its in-house wireless network AI operations system, A-One, will calculate the capacity required based on forecast attendance and historical traffic, while its core network AI integrated monitoring system, SPIDER, will monitor for anomalies in real time. AI-based real-time load-balancing controls will also be applied in the event of congestion.
SKT will install additional temporary relay facilities, including mobile base stations, at Gwangalli Beach and Marine City. Nearby areas where spectators are expected to gather, including Yongho Bay and Igidae, will also be designated for focused monitoring, with the network inspected and quality monitored in real time.
An emergency staffing system will operate from the morning of the event until spectators have dispersed. Around 100 personnel from SKT, SK O&S and partner companies will be deployed, and staff will be stationed at key locations to manage safety around telecommunications facilities as well.
Jo Wook, head of SKT’s Eastern Network Division, said, “Since the fireworks festival draws large crowds to one place, we will add the perceived quality satisfaction rate metric to our existing AI solutions and carefully monitor the actual network quality users experience.” He added, “We will do our utmost to ensure that citizens and tourists can enjoy the festival in a stable network environment.”
[email protected] Yoon Hong-jip Reporter