Li Peng of Huawei Spearheads the Transition to the Agentic Internet with 5G-A and AI Technologies
Transforming Connectivity: Huawei Leads the Charge with 5G-A and AI
At the recent Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Huawei's Senior Vice President, Li Peng, outlined the vital role of 5G-A and artificial intelligence (AI) in ushering in a new era - the era of the agentic internet. As mobile operators continue to evolve from 4G to 5G and beyond, the integration of these technologies poses a transformative opportunity for connectivity and service delivery.
The Rise of the Agentic Internet
Li Peng emphasized that the convergence of networks and AI is not just about enhancing communication between people; it's about enabling connections for an unprecedented number of agents. This transformation is predicted to create a new market with extraordinary potential—meaning that the value of connectivity will dramatically redefine itself. “We are entering the era of the agentic internet where not just people, but hundreds of billions of agents will be connected,” said Peng.
The mobile industry is on the precipice of a monumental leap, where operators can leverage traffic management and enhance user experiences alongside AI service offerings. With this next step, operators will pivot from merely providing traffic services to offering high-value services that maximize both connectivity and user engagement.
Reimagining Business Models
Over recent years, the capabilities of telecom networks have steadily advanced, and this evolution is leading to significant shifts in business models. Peng noted that more than 300 operators worldwide have launched innovative pricing models as soon as they commercialized 5G, allowing them to optimize traffic monetization and thereby expand their revenue streams.
“Success in the future will depend heavily on the monetization of user experience,” he added. The diversity brought by 5G—combined with its expanding operational capabilities—is already being utilized by numerous leading operators for creating experience-based plans that enhance user satisfaction and retention.
Operators are now reprogramming their resources dynamically to exceed basic service offerings, thus improving overall customer experiences. This approach allows them to establish stronger brand reputations and encourage consumers to invest in premium services.
Leveraging AI for Enhanced Services
Li Peng outlined the potential applications of AI in diverse segments: from consumer services and home automation to industrious environments. The incorporation of AI can elevate traditional calling services by enabling functionalities like transcription and translation. Such advanced features could greatly improve user experience and are already being adopted in markets like China and South Korea.
Moreover, in the realm of home services, AI is revolutionizing broadband capabilities and facilitating smart home initiatives. AI-assisted network managers can optimize Wi-Fi connections using voice commands, and smart assistants can enhance video services, creating seamless experience for users.
For industrial sectors, the collaboration of 5G-A and AI could radically transform foundational workflows, boosting production rates and efficiency. This shift is crucial as industries seek to adapt to market demands more swiftly.
A Vision for the Future
Li Peng’s closing remarks highlighted a promising outlook for operators willing to harness the synergy of 5G-A and AI. By evolving services, devices, and frequency bands towards a 5G-A ecosystem, they can open new streams of revenue while enhancing operational efficiencies. He urged the telecom sector to adopt AI in business operations management, which is crucial for developing a robust service portfolio.
“Together with network intelligence, operators can unlock vast opportunities,” he said. As Huawei aims to assist operators in becoming AI service providers, it’s working on collaborative multi-agent facilities to ensure operational efficiency.
As the MWC Barcelona 2026 progresses with impressive innovations from Huawei, the telecommunications landscape stands poised for an agentic shift that promises to redefine connectivity and service monetization in the coming decade.
Conclusion
With the rise of the agentic internet, and significant strides towards the commercialization of 5G-A, Huawei is actively collaborating with operators worldwide to fully realize the potential of these technologies. This partnership not only aims at enhancing consumer experiences but also sets the foundation for a future where intelligent networking is pivotal to industry success.