Huawei Unveils Strategic Initiatives to Unlock the Potential of 5G-Advanced and AI at MWC Barcelona 2025
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The Evolution of 5G-Advanced (5G-A)
With over 2.1 billion 5G users worldwide by the end of 2024, the adoption of 5G-A is accelerating following the freezing of the 3GPP R18 standard in June 2024. 5G-A represents the next stage of 5G evolution, enhancing data transmission speeds by up to ten times, delivering downlink rates exceeding 5 Gbps and uplink speeds surpassing 1 Gbps. Offering ultra-low latency (under 10 milliseconds) and increased capacity, 5G-A is redefining network performance.
Currently, more than ten carriers have deployed 5G-A at scale, with eight already launching commercial packages. Over 60 carriers have announced plans for commercial deployment, while 30 have completed technical verifications. The second release of the 5G-A standard (3GPP R19), expected in 2025, will introduce features such as Passive IoT and integrated sensing communications, further enhancing network capabilities.
AI Integration: Transforming Networks and Enhancing Capabilities
The rise of AI-driven applications has significantly increased network demand. In 2024 alone, global shipments of AI-powered devices reached 170 million, with leading manufacturers developing more advanced AI-integrated solutions across mobile, PC, and wearable technologies.
AI is playing a dual role in the telecom industry: enhancing network infrastructure (Networks for AI) and optimizing operations and management (AI for Networks). During MWC 2025, Huawei introduced its AI-Centric Network solution, which enables carriers to meet the demands of AI-driven applications while advancing towards L4 autonomous networks (AN) for fully intelligent operations.
In a keynote address, Li Peng, Huawei’s Corporate Senior Vice President and President of ICT Sales & Service, highlighted how intelligent applications are reshaping network requirements. “By embracing and advancing 5G, we unlock the infinite potential of mobile networks. Huawei is committed to collaborating with carriers and industry partners worldwide to drive digital transformation and integrate AI into all aspects of telecommunications,” he stated.
Enabling the Transition from Telco to Techco
As the industry shifts towards a cloud-based, AI-powered ecosystem, telecom operators must transition from traditional telcos to technology-driven companies (Techcos). The GSMA and Kearney released a report at MWC 2025 indicating that while mobile network operators (MNOs) contribute $109 billion of the $127 billion annual investment in mobile internet infrastructure, they derive less economic benefit than other digital ecosystem players. To maximize returns, carriers must focus on differentiated, experience-based services.
Huawei is actively assisting carriers in this transformation through innovative offerings, such as customized calling features and tailored service packages. Notable examples include Thailand’s AIS, which introduced 5G experience packages across different demographics and scenarios, and Chinese operators who launched specialized packages for gaming and live streaming on metro networks.
Li Peng emphasized the shift in business models, stating, “New network capabilities will drive new revenue models. Carriers can go beyond monetizing traffic and instead monetize user experience.”
Huawei’s 5G-A Industry Evolution Summit: Unlocking AI’s Potential
At the “5G-Advanced Industry Evolution” summit held during MWC Barcelona 2025, industry leaders discussed the convergence of AI and 5G-A, exploring opportunities for experience monetization. Ritchie Peng, President of Huawei's ICT Strategy & Business Development Department, noted, “As networks evolve from 5G to 5G-A, the business model is transitioning from traffic monetization to experience monetization, prioritizing personalized and differentiated services. AI integration is accelerating this transformation, creating new growth opportunities.”
Industry analysts underscored AI’s role in expanding network connections and supporting multi-dimensional service requirements. European assessment bodies highlighted the necessity of faster uplink speeds, lower latency, and higher reliability to accommodate AI-driven applications.
Telecom operators from the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and South Africa shared best practices in 5G and 5G-A deployment. Thailand’s AIS reported nearly 200,000 activations for its tailored 5G experience packages, while South African operators emphasized the importance of sustained investment in network technology. Macao’s CTM outlined its collaboration with Huawei, demonstrating how 5G-A can drive industry innovations such as AI-powered gaming modes and dedicated network services.
AI as a Catalyst for Telecom Evolution
During his keynote at MWC 2025, James Chen, President of Huawei’s Carrier Business, outlined AI’s role in reshaping the telecom industry. He identified three key areas of AI-driven innovation:
Monetizing Differentiated Experiences: AI enables real-time network optimization, ensuring superior connectivity for live streamers, gamers, and business users.
Intelligent Home Services: AI-powered solutions, such as smart home Wi-Fi routers, enhance safety by detecting emergencies and alerting family members.
B2B Cloud Solutions: AI-driven cloud platforms help businesses transition to digital operations, unlocking new revenue streams for telecom operators.
The Future of AI-Driven Telecom Infrastructure
Chen emphasized the need for telecom infrastructure to evolve in three critical areas:
Intelligent Connectivity: Moving from best-effort networks to deterministic, seamless connections.
Intelligent Cloud: Leveraging distributed computing to enhance AI-driven analytics and cloud services.
Integrated Resource Collaboration: Aligning network, cloud, and computing resources to optimize performance and efficiency.
Huawei reaffirmed its commitment to supporting operators in the AI era by offering AI-enhanced business solutions, AI-driven operations, and AI-centric infrastructure. Chen concluded, “The AI era is here, and the time to act is now.”
Accelerating Towards an Intelligent Future
As 2025 progresses, commercial 5G-A deployment will accelerate, and AI will continue to reshape business models, network infrastructure, and telecom operations. Huawei remains at the forefront of this transformation, actively collaborating with carriers and industry partners worldwide to drive the future of intelligent connectivity.
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