AI is driving an exponential surge in data across networks, fueling their growth to unprecedented scales. At the same time, AI is also emerging as a key driver of innovation in telecom networks. Today, telecom industry is increasingly focusing on AI-Native networks to integrate AI into core processes and enhance efficiency, automation, and intelligence.
At Mobile world Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2025, China Mobile unleashed the AI+NETWORK program aimed at driving high-quality and sustainable development in telecom networks. With this, China Mobile is pioneering high-level autonomous networks by integrating AI into core network processes, enabling intelligent automation, efficiency, and enhanced user experiences.
AI+NETWORK program has achieved remarkable progress in three key areas, said Li Huidi, Executive Vice President of China Mobile, addressing the keynote speech, “AI+NETWORK, Pioneering the Digital-Intelligent Future,” at the Global MBB Forum (MBBF) Top Talk Summit 2025, held under the theme of ” 5G-A Leads Mobile AI Era” at MWC 2025.
First, AI+NETWORK program enabled China Mobile to build the most advanced information infrastructure that serves as the foundation for the digital-intelligent transformation of industries, enabling seamless connectivity and future-ready networks. China Mobile operates the largest 5G and fiber broadband networks globally, supported by fully cloud-based 4G/5G converged core networks and rapidly expanding computing power.
Secondly, by integrating AI and advanced technologies, China Mobile is world-class information service and tech innovation enterprise in digital technology and information services which translate into differentiated business advantages, especially in 5G-Advanced. China Mobile’s 90,000 3CC CA cells and 450,000 RedCap sites drive next-generation connectivity. As the world’s first operator to introduce AI-driven Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) to 5G-Advanced, alongside other AI-powered wireless applications, China Mobile is optimizing network intelligence to deliver superior user experience assurance.
Third, advancing the digital-intelligent transformation of network O&M through Autonomous Networks. China Mobile is implementing the AN in the following way: driven by value, taking process optimization as the entry point, with automation as the foundation, using AI technology as the innovation engine, and considering data as the new production factor. They are committed to building an end-to-end fully automated digital-intelligent operations pipeline. Currently, several high-value scenarios, such as service provisioning and change monitoring, have already reached AN L4, enabling low-cost, highly efficient network operations and continuously leading industry development.
Li also highlighted two key achievements: first is the development of AI-native mobile networks to enable tiered quality assurance and optimization automation, and the next is the advancement of autonomous networks to support fully connected factories and vehicles. These innovations mark a significant leap toward China Mobile’s high-level autonomous networks, enhancing efficiency and real-time adaptability in industrial applications.
Emphasizing the importance of global collaboration to drive digital-intelligent innovation, Li advocated end-to-end promotion of autonomous networks and 5G-Advanced to maximize their impact across industries. He also proposed close cooperation with standards and industry organizations to improve AI governance in telecoms.
At the summit, China Mobile, in partnership with GSMA, TM Forum, GSA, and Huawei, unveiled eight major L4 autonomous network use cases and five 5G-Advanced innovations, reinforcing its leadership in AI-driven network evolution.
With the world’s largest telecom networks and user base, China Mobile has been at the forefront of digital-intelligent transformation since 2019. By integrating AI and networks, the company has significantly enhanced network autonomy, efficiency, and service quality. As the first operator to implement L4 autonomous networks across eight key scenarios, China Mobile has streamlined ToB service provisioning for private 5G, cloud, data, and internet networks, enabling faster, automated service delivery. AI-driven network enhancements have also helped optimize installation, maintenance, and resource allocation, significantly reducing manual operations. By introducing digital twins and AI-driven big data analysis, China Mobile has revolutionized network change monitoring, ensuring secure, fault-free operations with real-time impact analysis.
China Mobile is committed to promote the technology and network development of 5G-Advanced, and the operator has made significant efforts to accelerate its commercial development of 5G-Advanced, Li said. The operator has introduced intelligent network elements (NEs) like NWDAF and AM-PCF to enable real-time experience assurance and network optimization. It has deployed over 90,000 3CC CA cells, boosting downlink speeds to 5 Gbps, facilitating cloud gaming, HD video, and naked-eye 3D experiences. Advancements in RedCap IoT technology have led to its widespread adoption in industries like security and surveillance, with 450,000 RedCap sites established across 337 cities.
Moreover, China Mobile has extended integrated communications and sensing to low-altitude space below 300m, with a sensing precision of 10 to 25 m. As passive IoT solutions scale up, they are enabling intelligent asset management applications such as stocktaking and e-bike entry detection, facilitating end-to-end digital and intelligent management of all elements across industries.
China Mobile remains committed to advancing AI-driven autonomous networks, 5G-Advanced innovations, and industry collaboration, ensuring its leadership in the digital economy, Li continued. The company will continue to work with the entire industry ecosystem to stimulate and scale up the converged development of 5G-Advanced and AI to inject new vitality to the digital economy, he added.
