How Huawei's Li Peng Envisions the Future of 5G with AI Integration

Huawei's Vision for 5G in the Age of AI

At the recently held MWC Barcelona 2025, Li Peng, Huawei's Corporate Senior Vice President and President of ICT Sales and Service, presented a compelling keynote speech that highlighted the transformative potential of combining 5G technology with artificial intelligence (AI). Li emphasized that the relationship between 5G and AI will not only revolutionize network capabilities but also drive significant revenue growth within the telecom sector.

During his presentation, Li stated, "We are rapidly entering a fully intelligent world. Intelligent applications are spreading everywhere, creating new demands on networks. By embracing and enhancing 5G, we can unlock the infinite potential of mobile networks." This establishes the foundation for a future where AI and 5G coalesce to elevate user experiences and capabilities on a global scale.

The Evolution of Human-Machine Interaction

With advancements in AI, the landscape of human-machine interaction (HMI) is undergoing significant changes. No longer limited to basic text commands, users can now engage in more dynamic interactions—utilizing voice, gestures, and other multi-modal methods. This evolution necessitates networks that can offer consistently low latency. Li pointed out that achieving this goal will require the transition from 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) to Standalone (SA), and eventually into 5G-Advanced (5G-A) frameworks.

To support these next-generation applications, carriers must adopt innovative solutions such as Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS) and Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR) technologies, which can significantly reduce latency and ensure a more reliable network experience.

Surge in Content and User Demands

Li further elaborated on how AI is transitioning content production and distribution. With Artificial Intelligence-Generated Content (AIGC), creating comprehensive 2D and 3D videos can now be done with just one click, leading to increased consumer consumption of rich content. This growing demand will overwhelm current networks if not addressed, impacting upload and download speeds.

To manage this surge, telecom companies will need to expand their spectrum and enhance their network capacities. Additionally, the rise of AI-driven recommendations will allow for more personalized content distribution, thereby necessitating an adaptive and robust network framework that end-users can rely upon.

Experience-Centric Network Coverage

In a world increasingly driven by cloud technology, Li noted that access to intelligent services requires robust network connectivity. Emerging cloud applications are projected to reach one billion users by 2030, necessitating a seamless blend of accessibility across diverse geographic areas. Carriers must prioritize expanding coverage for both urban and rural environments, paving the way for innovative in-vehicle applications that promise a consistent mobility experience.

To meet these evolving demands, there's a clear path toward ongoing network improvement. The shift from 5G NSA to 5G SA models is critical for a cohesive experience across both outdoor and indoor settings, ultimately paving the way for more advanced experience-centric solutions in 5G-A networks. This could result in improved connections both for individuals and the burgeoning Internet of Things (IoT).

New Business Models and Monetization

Li concluded his keynote by discussing the new business paradigms that will emerge as a consequence of enhanced network capabilities. Carriers are already exploring various strategies to monetize user experience rather than just data traffic. This shift could lead to tailored services reflecting user needs, including specialized packages for business professionals and content creators.

An example shared by Li was how Chinese carriers are leveraging partnerships across diverse industries through Open APIs to enhance their AI service offerings. By collaborating, they can amplify their income while also fulfilling industry-specific needs.

Conclusion

The era of 5G—augmented by AI—is not only about increasing speed and capacity; it is about reshaping the telecommunications landscape entirely. Pioneers in the field are already making significant headway, with Huawei poised to lead this charge. The insights shared by Li at MWC 2025 point towards an exciting future, rich in technological advancements and business opportunities. As Li rightly stated, "The time to act is now," and those who adapt rapidly will unlock immense value in the transition to an intelligent global network.

MWC Barcelona 2025

The MWC event, taking place from March 3 to March 6 in Barcelona, serves as a crucial platform for Huawei and other industry leaders to showcase new innovations. As the world moves towards commercializing more sophisticated network technologies, Huawei's ongoing collaboration with carriers and partners will be instrumental in navigating this exciting frontier.