China Unicom Beijing and Huawei Lead AI Transformation at MWC 2025

Shanghai, China, June 20, 2025 — At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) held in Shanghai, Yang Lifan, Deputy General Manager of China Unicom Beijing, delivered a pivotal keynote titled "Are We Ready for AI?" This address coincided with the release of their collaborative initiative, Smart Operation Network 2.0, in partnership with Huawei during the 5G-A Industry Roundtable. The event underscored the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and its integration into communications networks, marking a significant shift towards more intelligent and automated systems.

The collaboration between China Unicom Beijing and Huawei aims to enhance the existing 5G-A network infrastructure by transitioning from traditional connectivity models to more sophisticated, intelligent platforms. This strategic move is designed to accommodate the explosive growth of data generated by AI applications, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in various sectors including autonomous driving and the Internet of Things (IoT).

According to Yang Lifan, the integration of AI is essential as it facilitates human-level interactions and addresses the burgeoning demand for high-speed connectivity. He noted, "As live-network traffic is projected to increase fivefold, our networks must evolve to prevent bottlenecks that could compromise user experiences."

The implementation of a professional data model by both companies predicts that 2029 will be a critical year for network capabilities, emphasizing the urgent need for upgrades in network infrastructure to support higher uplink speeds. The collaboration’s most notable achievement is the deployment of the world’s first 3D smart 5G-A network in Beijing, which is positioned to handle the complexities of AI-driven communication.

The new network architecture is designed to provide seamless 5G-A connectivity through a multi-layered approach, integrating high-bandwidth capabilities with mid-band and low-band resources for comprehensive coverage. This innovation not only enhances network capacity but also ensures robust performance across various terrains.

Further advancing this initiative, China Unicom Beijing and Huawei are employing AI-driven solutions to automate network operations, a move anticipated to become the industry standard by 2026. This automation encompasses various network management tasks such as site deployment, maintenance, and fault resolution, thereby reducing reliance on manual interventions.

David Li, Vice President of Huawei's Wireless Network Product Line, commented on the importance of user experience: "To unlock new business value, 5G-A networks must cater to diverse application needs. By prioritizing an experience-centered approach, we aim to facilitate the implementation of an integrated smart network strategy that delivers superior connectivity for users in Beijing."

The MWC Shanghai 2025 also serves as a platform for Huawei to showcase its latest technological advancements. With the commercial adoption of 5G-Advanced accelerating in 2025, the company is collaborating with global carriers and industry experts to explore how AI innovations can reshape telecom services, infrastructure, and operations, thus generating new revenue streams while transitioning towards a more intelligent world.

As the telecommunications landscape continues to evolve, the synergy between China Unicom Beijing and Huawei exemplifies a forward-thinking approach that harnesses the potential of AI to redefine connectivity and operational efficiency, setting a precedent for future developments in the industry.