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Huawei's Vision for a Smarter World

At the recent MWC Barcelona 2026, Yang Chaobin, CEO of Huawei’s ICT Business Group, emphasized the necessity for the information and communication technology (ICT) sector to advance its efforts in making artificial intelligence (AI) more accessible. Yang’s keynote address called upon industry leaders to collaborate in unlocking the full potential of 5G-Advanced as the world strides into the AI era.

The AI Opportunity

Yang noted that the intelligent age is rapidly approaching, with new AI applications emerging daily. He urged the industry to utilize new spectrum sources, particularly U6 GHz, to create enhanced value for the sector and to facilitate the transition to 6G. He asserted that the exponential growth in token usage over the past two years highlights the significant opportunities available for the mobile sector. Yang stated, "The number of tokens consumed daily has increased by a factor of 300, presenting immense potential for mobile services."

Yet, as AI applications like text-to-video and AI-driven shopping become common, they expose several gaps in connectivity that need addressing. Networks must transition from a downlink-focused architecture to ultra-high bandwidth capabilities in both uplink and downlink, enabling seamless multimodal data exchanges essential for AI interactions. Furthermore, there’s an urgent need for networks to provide secure, reliable, and ultra-low-latency connectivity to support real-time AI collaboration and intelligent decision-making.

The Importance of Spectrum and Inclusivity

The development of 6G standards is in progress, with definitive guidelines expected no earlier than March 2029 according to 3GPP. Yang stressed that the next five years present a sizable opportunity for robust growth in mobile AI services. For operators to realize this growth, effective investments in 5G-A are critical.

Reflecting on the pivotal role of this intermediary generation between 5G and 6G, Yang highlighted features such as tenfold uplink speeds and enhanced AI service experiences. Currently, 5G-A has been commercially launched in over 300 cities worldwide, with efforts continuing to expand its benefits across all frequency bands.

To bolster 5G-A capabilities, especially in regions where C-band resources are scarce, new and repurposed frequency sources are essential. The U6 GHz band has been established as a leading frequency band for future mobile communications, which 5G-A is already set to support alongside mainstream device chips. According to Yang, collaboration across the industry is vital to meet the surging demand for AI services.

Addressing Global Digital Inequality

Another key point of Yang's speech was the critical need to tackle global inequalities in digital access. With over 300 million individuals lacking access to mobile broadband, the rapid advancement of AI threatens to widen the existing digital divide. Stronger digital inclusion initiatives and ongoing innovation are crucial for bridging this gap.

He encouraged further exploration of inclusive connectivity strategies, advocating for diversified combinations of frequency bands and cost-effective design solutions. For instance, Huawei has launched innovative all-scenario RuralStar solutions, providing mobile access to 170 million people across 80 nations. Additional inclusion programs include DigiTruck, offering digital skills training in Kenya, inclusive financial services in Bangladesh, and mobile medical services in Argentina.

Yang concluded by urging all stakeholders in the sector to continue their collaborative momentum towards the large-scale commercial rollout of 5G-A, addressing the urgent needs posed by forthcoming AI services and paving the way to 6G.

MWC Barcelona 2026 is being held from March 2 to 5, showcasing Huawei's latest products and solutions at booth 1H50 in Fira Gran Via Hall 1. As the age of agentic networks approaches, the industry must work together to accelerate 5G-A adoption and harness the full scope of AI-enabled services to drive a truly intelligent future.

For more information, visit Huawei - MWC 2026.