Huawei Speaks Out: Operators Champion the Fusion of 5G-A and Artificial Intelligence – A New Era of Mobile AI Awaits

June 27, 2023 - At the 2024 Mobile World Congress Shanghai (MWC Shanghai), the convergence of 5G and artificial intelligence (AI) took center stage. Leading players such as China Telecom, China Mobile, Huawei, and ZTE made pivotal announcements regarding AI's role in telecommunications. Analysts predict that 2024 will not only see the commercial launch of 5G-A but also herald a new era for AI applications on mobile devices.

The first official standard for 5G-A, 3GPP R18, was finalized on June 18, solidifying 2024 as the year of its commercial debut. Huawei's Executive Director, Wang Tao, announced that over 60 operators and partners are poised for the 5G-A rollout, with more than 30 new mobile devices and customer premises equipment (CPEs) expected to support 5G-A this year.

During the event, Huawei, in collaboration with 5G-A operators, unveiled the 5G-A Commercial Navigation Plan. Major Chinese telecoms, along with HKT from Hong Kong, UAE's du, and Oman Telecommunications, established six crucial agreements to advance 5G-A's evolution. Their focus includes enhancing operational capabilities, developing key urban areas, upgrading business models, fostering innovation, building robust networks, and nurturing a thriving ecosystem.

Wang highlighted that 5G-A offers a clear industrial pathway, protecting existing investments while unlocking new commercial possibilities. Looking toward 2030, collective efforts are vital to advance 5G-A technologies, ensure sustained growth in the 5G sector, and realize its societal impact.

In his keynote address, China Mobile's General Manager, He Biao, announced plans for the company to initiate 5G-A construction this year, targeting commercial deployment in 300 cities by year-end. Likewise, China Telecom's Chairman, Ke Ruiwen, emphasized the importance of innovating and promoting 5G applications, noting that developing industry-specific solutions is crucial in this new growth phase. He also committed to progressively enhancing the 5G network, strategically advancing 5G-A, and intensifying research efforts for the future 6G technology, further promoting the integration of 5G and 6G.

The swift commercialization of 5G-A is significantly advancing AI development, paving the way for widespread access to personal AI assistants.