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Building a Smarter World with 5G-A and U6 GHz

In a striking revelation at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Yang Chaobin, head of Huawei's ICT division, addressed the urgent need for advancements in network technology to meet the requirements of the burgeoning AI landscape. With artificial intelligence transforming industries and consumer experiences at an unprecedented rate, the mobile AI era presents new demands on connectivity and network capabilities.

The dramatic rise in global token usage—almost 300-fold over the past two years—highlights the rapid approach of an intelligent age. Yang emphasized that now is the crucial moment for the industry to unite in unleashing the full potential of 5G-A. To navigate this evolution, he advocated for the effective utilization of new spectrum resources, particularly the U6 GHz band, which could significantly enhance industry value while paving the way for 6G development.

One of the key points Yang made is the shift necessary in network architecture: moving away from a purely downlink-oriented focus to enable ultra-high bandwidth for both uplink and downlink. This approach is essential for facilitating multimodal data exchanges between devices and cloud environments to support AI applications. He asserted that networks need to deliver reliable, secure, and low-latency connectivity to fully embrace real-time AI and intelligent decision-making.

Bridging the Generational Gap with 5G-A

Yang pointed out that 5G-A is not just a transitional technology but a crucial bridge addressing gaps in network capabilities across generations. With the expected arrival of 6G standards in 2029, the next five years are seen as a pivotal period for developing mobile AI services, with 5G-A realizing its technological advantages.

He outlined that the primary focus for the industry's progress is to leverage 5G-A networks to adapt to the accelerating demands of AI. The targets include achieving downlink speeds of 10 Gbps and uplink speeds of 1 Gbps—significantly boosting current uplink capabilities tied to 4G networks. Additionally, embracing innovative IoT technologies such as RedCap, designed for efficient connectivity in various applications, is vital.

Addressing Global Inequities in Connectivity

Yang further stressed the alarming fact that 300 million people worldwide still lack mobile coverage—an issue that threatens to worsen as AI accelerates development disparities. Bridging this digital divide is essential and necessitates ongoing innovation rooted in diverse spectrum portfolios and cost-effective solution designs. Huawei's RuralStar initiative, which has already connected 170 million people across more than 80 countries, exemplifies this proactive approach. By delivering digital education, financial services, and healthcare to marginalized areas, such as DigiTruck classrooms in Kenya and medical services in remote Argentine regions, they are making strides toward an inclusive digital future.

The Potential of the U6 GHz Band

5G-A has already been implemented in over 300 cities globally, ready to leap forward as demand escalates. With limitations on C-band resources, the U6 GHz band emerges as a critical contributor to expanding network capacities. Acknowledged as essential for future mobile communication, this spectrum enables robust 5G-A applications supported by advanced chip technologies and established industry infrastructure.

In conclusion, as we navigate an accelerating intelligent age, cooperation among industry players over the next five years will be crucial. Together, they must meet the rising demands of AI services by realizing the widespread commercialization of 5G-A, as outlined by Yang Chaobin during his address at MWC 2026.