ZTE and China Mobile unveil 5G-A and AI integration that turns networks into intelligent hubs

ZTE and China Mobile’s recent partnership has unveiled significant advancements combining 5G-Advanced (5G-A) technology with artificial intelligence at Mobile World Congress 2025. This collaboration represents a pivotal shift in how telecommunications networks function, transforming them from passive data transmission channels into intelligent systems capable of sensing, computing, and making decisions. These innovations aim to revolutionize industrial applications, consumer experiences, and emerging services by embedding intelligence directly into network infrastructure, potentially reshaping how businesses and consumers interact with connected technologies.

The big picture: ZTE and China Mobile have introduced two major 5G-A innovations at MWC Barcelona 2025 that merge advanced connectivity with artificial intelligence capabilities.

• The partners unveiled a ‘Communication-Sensing-Computing-Intelligence’ solution and an ‘Ambient IoT‘ system that fundamentally reimagine how networks operate.
• These technologies transform networks from simple data transmission pipelines into intelligent hubs capable of supporting advanced digital transformation across multiple sectors.

Key technical details: The ‘Communication-Sensing-Computing-Intelligence’ solution integrates three core technologies to create a comprehensive foundation for next-generation applications.

• The system merges communication with computing capabilities to establish robust infrastructure for digital transformation across various industries.
• It combines communication with AI to optimize network performance and enhance user experiences through embedded intelligence.
• The technology integrates communication with sensing capabilities to enable high-precision perception, real-time decision-making, and intelligent scheduling for emerging applications.

Market applications: ZTE’s solution targets three distinct market segments with specialized capabilities for each sector.

• For business (B2B) applications, the technology supports industrial digital transformation in sectors like manufacturing, smart cities, and Industrial Internet by enhancing connectivity and enabling scalable applications.
• In the consumer (B2C) space, the solution improves network reliability for bandwidth-intensive applications such as live streaming, cloud gaming, and HD video.
• For new services (B2N), the integrated approach unlocks innovative applications by combining communication, sensing, computing, and AI within 5G-A networks.

What they’re saying: Senior leadership from both companies emphasized the transformative potential of combining 5G-Advanced with artificial intelligence.

• “5G-A x AI is a key driver of high-quality digital economic development. ‘Communication-Sensing-Computing-Intelligence’ transforms the network from a mere ‘transmission pipeline’ into an ‘intelligent hub,'” stated Zhang Wanchun, senior vice president of ZTE.
• Huang Yuhong, general manager of China Mobile Research Institute, described the technology as “not just a technological upgrade but a fundamental reconstruction of social productivity.”

Innovative IoT approach: The partnership has also produced a complete end-to-end Ambient IoT solution that extends digital capabilities to previously unconnected assets.

• The system includes specialized Ambient IoT computing base stations, “e-Star” tags, and an “e-Thing” management platform.
• In smart manufacturing environments, the technology enables real-time tracking and monitoring of assets, improving efficiency and process management.
• For smart campus applications, the solution facilitates seamless digital management of both physical assets and personnel.