SK Telecom Partners with OpenAI to Offer Free ChatGPT Plus Trial

South Korea's leading mobile carrier SK Telecom has announced a groundbreaking promotional partnership with OpenAI, offering customers their first taste of premium AI services at a significant discount.

What's the Deal?

SK Telecom is providing discount coupons to new ChatGPT Plus subscribers that unlock two months of free service with just a one-month subscription purchase. This marks OpenAI's first promotional collaboration with a South Korean mobile carrier, signaling the company's commitment to expanding its presence in the Asian market.

Key Takeaways:

• Historic Partnership: This is OpenAI's first promotional collaboration with a local South Korean mobile carrier
• Strategic AI Investment: SK Telecom continues its "two-track strategy" of developing homegrown AI while partnering globally
• Government Support: In August, SK Telecom's consortium was selected for state funding to develop domestic AI foundation models

Building on Existing Relationships

This partnership isn't SK Telecom's first collaboration with OpenAI. The companies previously co-hosted a hackathon in 2023 and jointly participate in the MIT GenAI Impact Consortium alongside six other businesses.

"By bolstering the two-track strategy of seeking global ties and self-empowerment, we plan to expand a customer-oriented AI ecosystem," said Lee Jae-shin, who heads SK Telecom's AI strategy division.

The promotion reflects South Korea's broader ambition to become a global leader in AI development, combining international partnerships with domestic innovation initiatives.

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