What's Happening?
ZTE Corporation is pioneering a shift in telecommunications by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with 5G-Advanced technologies, marking the transition to the Mobile AI era. Li Xiaotong, Vice President of ZTE Corporation, highlights the transformation of network infrastructure from simple data transmission pipes to intelligent engines capable of real-time adaptation to user needs. This shift is driven by changes in traffic patterns, with AI applications significantly increasing uplink traffic. ZTE's AIR (AI Reshaped RAN) RAN solution represents a paradigm shift, embedding intelligence within the network's architecture to dynamically manage resources. This approach has led to improvements in video service quality, live streaming rates, gaming latency, and energy consumption of 5G base stations.
Why It's Important?
The integration of AI into network infrastructure is crucial for telecommunications operators facing challenges in monetizing traffic growth. ZTE's AIR RAN solution enables a shift from traffic monetization to experience monetization, allowing operators to offer premium services and enhance user satisfaction. This transformation is essential as traditional revenue models become unsustainable. By focusing on experience-driven value propositions, operators can differentiate their services and unlock new revenue streams. The ability to manage high-value scenarios and optimize network performance positions ZTE as a leader in the evolving telecom landscape, offering strategic advantages in a competitive market.
What's Next?
ZTE's focus on AI Agent services presents new business opportunities, as networks must evolve to support both human users and AI agents. The company's AgentGuard solution is designed to meet these demands, providing optimized resource allocation and intelligent service assurance. As AI-driven businesses grow, networks will need to adapt to increased uplink traffic and latency requirements. ZTE's innovations, showcased at MWC Shanghai 2025, demonstrate the potential for networks to transform from simple connection pipes to dynamic intelligent engines, driving the future of telecommunications.
Beyond the Headlines
ZTE's approach to AI integration emphasizes sustainable innovation and responsible AI governance. The company is committed to reducing energy consumption and ensuring transparency and security in AI operations. By incorporating built-in safeguards and human oversight mechanisms, ZTE aims to establish trustworthy AI systems. This focus on ethical AI practices is crucial as AI becomes more pervasive in network infrastructure, ensuring that technological advancements align with societal values and contribute positively to human experiences.
