Unlocking the Power of 5G Networks with AI Integration at MWC 2025

Transforming Connectivity for a Smart Era

At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 held in Barcelona, Li Peng, Senior Vice President of Huawei and head of ICT Sales and Services, shared his insights on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the value of 5G networks. According to Li, the integration of AI with 5G technology can accelerate the growth of data usage (DU) and average revenue per user (ARPU) significantly. "We are rapidly advancing into a fully intelligent world. Smart applications are proliferating, creating new demands for network infrastructure,” stated Li during his keynote address.

The Convergence of 5G and AI

Li emphasized the critical relationship between 5G technology and AI, asserting that they are set to define the future of mobile telecommunications. The forecast predicts a double-digit increase in mobile data consumption and ARPU resulting from this convergence. Li urged operators globally to harness this synergy to unlock the full potential of their networks.

Huawei aims to collaborate with service providers to enhance digital infrastructures and deliver AI technology comprehensively. This collaborative effort is essential for shaping a smarter world.

Evolving Human-Machine Interactions

In his speech, Li addressed the evolving nature of human-machine interactions (HMI) due to advancements in AI. He highlighted how interactions are shifting from basic text queries to more sophisticated capabilities such as voice commands and gesture controls, which require lower latency networks. As a result, the demand for faster, more efficient networks is more crucial than ever. To achieve these standards, operators are encouraged to progress from non-standalone (NSA) 5G networks to standalone (SA) solutions and eventually to 5G-Advanced (5G-A) configurations, which promise enhanced speeds and reliability.

Content Creation and Distribution

Another key point in Li's address was the transformative impact of AI on content creation and distribution. With tools capable of generating 2D and 3D content at the click of a button, the way content is managed and disseminated is revolutionized. AI-driven recommendations can tailor content delivery to specific user preferences, ensuring that audiences receive personalized experiences. As both of these trends accelerate, the demand on network capacity will increase exponentially over the next five years, compelling operators to expand their spectrum and bandwidth capabilities significantly.

Demand for Experience-Centric Network Coverage

With AI-driven cloud and mobile services, the industry is witnessing a rising demand for experience-oriented network coverage. According to third-party data, over a billion users will rely on cloud services by 2030, necessitating rapid access to cloud computing resources. Furthermore, smart applications in vehicles will require comprehensive coverage across urban areas, highways, and rural regions to maintain seamless mobility.

To meet these challenges, continuous advancements in network deployment—from rapid expansion of 5G networks to transitioning to 5G-A—are necessary. This effort will extend coverage for billions of users and ensure a smooth experience for hundreds of billions of IoT devices.

Embracing a New Era in Operations

The complexity introduced by AI in applications will prompt a shift in network management from resource-oriented operations to application-centric approaches. Some operators are already implementing AI-driven management systems, employing digital twins to forecast user-specific needs and accelerate service deployment from days to just minutes. AI agents, equipped with self-learning capabilities, can predict and isolate network faults in seconds, enhancing troubleshooting efficiency by 30%. Furthermore, simulated environments can analyze traffic patterns, enabling real-time optimizations aligned with user application needs.

New Business Models for Operators

Li concluded by discussing the emergence of innovative business models enabled by the advanced capabilities of 5G networks. Operators can extend beyond traditional traffic monetization and start capitalizing on user experiences directly based on factors like speed, latency, and premium services. In China, for example, operators are collaborating with diverse industries to offer AI-enhanced calling services through open APIs, significantly increasing revenue from these sectors.

"The opportunities are vast, and it is time to act. Pioneering operators are already expanding rapidly in over 200 cities worldwide, uncovering incredible new value for their businesses and customers," Li affirmed.

MWC Barcelona 2025 runs from March 3 to 6, showcasing Huawei’s latest products and solutions. The company is devoted to accelerating the transition toward a smarter connected world through enhancements in both infrastructure and partnerships.