Huawei's Eric Xu Discusses Growth Strategies at MWC Shanghai 2025

On June 18, 2025, during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) held in Shanghai, Eric Xu, the Deputy Chairman and Rotating Chairman of Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., delivered a keynote address focusing on strategic pathways for driving growth within the telecommunications industry. Xu's remarks were particularly significant as the telecom sector navigates a landscape marked by stagnant revenue and evolving consumer demands.

In his address, Xu outlined observations regarding the current state of the telecom industry, which has experienced rapid expansion over the past four decades. However, he noted that the industry is now facing challenges related to technology oversupply and changing consumer needs. "As the telecoms market matures, it is crucial for carriers to adapt to new consumer demands while exploring growth opportunities that align with technological advancements and market shifts," said Xu.

The keynote highlighted four primary pathways for growth:

1. **Adapting to Changing User Needs**: Xu emphasized the importance of understanding and responding to the evolving needs of users. He cited the rapid growth of mobile network users among delivery riders and livestreamers. For instance, the number of professional food delivery riders is projected to rise from 30 million in 2020 to 160 million by 2030, highlighting a significant market segment with high data consumption and revenue potential. According to Xu, "Carriers who adapt to these new user segments will likely experience accelerated growth."

2. **Enhancing HD Video Consumption**: Xu pointed to the growing demand for high-definition video content, which currently comprises about 50% of mobile traffic. He noted that there are substantial gaps in HD video supply and consumption, with only 22% of mobile video traffic being 1080p or higher. Xu called for a coordinated effort among carriers, OTT content providers, and network equipment vendors to address these challenges, thereby increasing HD video usage and revenue.

3. **5G Connectivity in Vehicles**: Addressing the future of intelligent connected vehicles, Xu expressed the need to bring 5G technology to every car. He acknowledged the reluctance of car manufacturers to fully embrace 5G due to high associated costs. He suggested that industry-wide collaboration is necessary to lower 5G costs and ensure broader adoption of this technology in vehicles, which will ultimately benefit both consumers and carriers.

4. **Fiber to the Room (FTTR) Solutions for Small Businesses**: Xu highlighted the potential of FTTR technology to enhance connectivity for micro and small businesses, which face significant challenges in providing reliable Wi-Fi services. He noted that there are over 500 million such businesses globally, indicating a vast opportunity for carriers to deploy FTTR solutions that can support high-speed, low-latency networks.

In conclusion, Xu remarked, "Every carrier operates in different markets and faces unique challenges. Huawei is committed to collaborating with carriers to explore tailored growth strategies that can lead to sustainable success in the evolving telecom landscape."

Xu's speech at MWC Shanghai comes at a pivotal time for the telecom industry, as it seeks to innovate and adapt to changing consumer behaviors while leveraging new technologies to drive revenue growth. As Huawei continues to position itself as a leader in telecommunications, the insights shared by Xu may serve as a roadmap for carriers looking to navigate the complexities of the modern telecom environment.