China Unicom Beijing and Huawei Step into the Intelligent Era with 5G-A and AI-Powered Networks, DKnews.kz reports.
At MWC Shanghai 2025, China Unicom Beijing and Huawei unveiled their bold new vision for the future of telecommunications by announcing Smart Operation Network 2.0 during the 5G-A Industry Roundtable. In his keynote titled "Are We Ready for AI?", Yang Lifan, Deputy General Manager of China Unicom Beijing, outlined how artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming networks from simple connectivity providers into intelligent, adaptive digital platforms.
The collaboration between China Unicom Beijing and Huawei is centered on accelerating the evolution of 5G-Advanced infrastructure into fully intelligent networks that integrate AI at their core — a critical shift to support the explosive growth of data traffic and increasingly sophisticated user demands.
The AI Challenge: Exploding Demand Meets Infrastructure Bottlenecks
Next-generation AI applications — from cloud-based model training and real-time video uploads to autonomous driving and industrial IoT — require massive uplink bandwidth and ultra-low latency. For example, a single HD video stream or AI training task can demand uplink speeds of over 20 Mbps.
Based on joint modeling from China Unicom Beijing and Huawei, the tipping point for network capacity will arrive by 2029 if only mid-band spectrum resources are used. Without urgent action, user experience could suffer, especially in AI-driven services.
A World-First: Beijing Deploys a 3D Smart 5G-A Network
To address this, China Unicom Beijing and Huawei have deployed the world's first 3D smart 5G-A network in Beijing — designed to meet the multifaceted challenges of the AI era. This next-generation network coordinates high- and mid-band spectrum to deliver a 1:1 seamless 3D user experience, offering uninterrupted connectivity in the air and on the ground.
This approach marks a transition from single-band operation to layered, scenario-adaptive architecture:
- High bands ensure capacity,
- Mid-bands ensure continuous coverage,
- Low bands and space-air-ground integration ensure wide-area access.
This harmonized multi-band strategy is laying the groundwork for robust, intelligent connections for humans and machines alike — from smartphones to AI agents, vehicles, and industrial systems.
Autonomous Operations: AI Takes the Helm of Network Management
Traditional telecom networks rely heavily on manual configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance. In contrast, China Unicom Beijing and Huawei are ushering in a new era of AI-driven autonomous networks, targeting full-process automation — from site deployment to fault response — by 2026.
An example of this innovation is the high-speed rail digital twin system, which provides passenger-level network visibility. With this system, signal issues are automatically located within 10 seconds, and self-healing mechanisms restore service within 30 minutes, significantly improving customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
The introduction of Universal Intelligent Service Processing (UISP) units further enhances real-time service recognition and dynamic quality-of-service assurance for individual users, aligning network behavior with personalized user needs.
Industry Voices: Embracing the Intelligent Future
Yang Lifan, Deputy General Manager, China Unicom Beijing:
"Future networks will blend space, air, and ground systems, with autonomous operations driven by AI agents. Operators must stop reacting passively and start leading with bold adoption of advanced technologies."
David Li, Vice President, Huawei Wireless Network Product Line:
"To unlock new connection scenarios and new business value, 5G-A networks must prioritize experience-based design. We’re enabling high uplink, low latency, and smart operations to realize China Unicom Beijing’s space-air-ground intelligent network strategy."
MWC Shanghai 2025: A Glimpse into the Connected Future
MWC Shanghai 2025, taking place from June 18 to 20 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC), features Huawei's latest advancements in Hall N1. The exhibition showcases solutions spanning 5G-A, AI-powered operations, cloud intelligence, and integrated network infrastructure.
The Bottom Line: Intelligence Is the New Standard
Huawei and China Unicom Beijing are not just upgrading connectivity — they are redefining the very foundation of telecommunications. Through 3D network architectures, AI automation, and intelligent service platforms, they are building the infrastructure for a digital world where networks adapt, think, and optimize in real time.
The future of telecom is intelligent — and it’s already underway.
