LG Uplus is taking its first major step into the global AI telecom market through a partnership with Malaysian telecom operator Maxis, signaling the company’s broader push to export AI-based communication services beyond South Korea.
The two companies have agreed to pursue the commercial launch of LG Uplus’ AI-powered calling service “ixi-O” in Malaysia, marking the first overseas business initiative tied to the Korean carrier’s global AI strategy unveiled earlier this year at MWC 2026.
Unlike traditional telecom infrastructure exports, the project is structured around an AI software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, allowing the platform to be adapted to local telecom environments and customer usage patterns.
Maxis, one of Malaysia’s leading telecom operators, serves roughly 10 million mobile subscribers and operates nationwide mobile, broadband, and fixed-line networks. The company has recently accelerated its transformation toward becoming a broader digital solutions provider, investing heavily in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity technologies.
LG Uplus CEO Hong Bum-sik and senior executives traveled to Kuala Lumpur earlier this month to meet with Maxis leadership, including CEO Goh Seow Eng, to discuss localization and commercialization plans for the service.
Industry observers see the direct involvement of LG Uplus’ top management as a sign that the company views AI software exports as a core future growth driver rather than a limited pilot project.
The Malaysian version of ixi-O is expected to launch later this year with localization features designed for local users. The service uses an on-device AI engine capable of multilingual processing, enabling support not only for standard English but also for conversational expressions commonly used in Malaysia.
The companies are also discussing broader cooperation opportunities tied to AI-based smart home services and enterprise solutions.
The move reflects a wider trend among global telecom operators seeking new revenue sources through AI services as competition in traditional mobile markets intensifies. Telecom companies are increasingly repositioning themselves as digital platform and software providers rather than network-only businesses.
At MWC 2026, LG Uplus outlined its ambition to evolve into what it described as a “Global AI Software Company,” focusing on combining telecommunications infrastructure with AI transformation technologies.
“Our goal is to become an AI-centered software company leading the integration of telecom and AI transformation technologies,” Hong previously said while presenting the company’s long-term strategy.
Maxis CEO Goh Seow Eng said the companies see strong potential in AI-based customer services, adding that LG Uplus’ on-device AI and security technologies stood out during discussions.
LG Uplus said it plans to continue expanding overseas opportunities centered on AI SaaS offerings and telecom-adjacent software services based on experience gained in the Korean market.
