On Day 3 of MWC2025, James Chen, President of Carrier Business, Huawei, gave a speech focused on how AI innovation will drive value creation.

With the rapid development of 5G, cloud computing and artificial intelligence, consumers and enterprises are demanding new digital and intelligent services. The traditional business models of the telecom industry are facing profound changes, and Chen underlined three main aspects that should be reshaped.

Firstly, operators can – and indeed should – reshape their business models around value creation, expanding proactively from connectivity into more digital and intelligent services. They also need to reshape operations and maintenance, utilizing AI and Big Data to optimize them, and reshape infrastructure by advancing the integration of multi-element synergetic networks to provide strong support for innovative services.

One example is different models for differentiated experience monetization. With consumer services evolving, businesses can be impacted by 5G network congestion – for example, a livestreamer selling products during their stream. If this becomes an issue, the network can automatically send a VIP package recommendation to the user, and once they accept the offer their livestreaming business is guaranteed immediately, with ‘VIP Assurance’ displayed on the device. This is a case of operators monetizing experience.

To achieve this business model, operators firstly need to apply AI technologies to recommend the right package for the users, and then they can dynamically adjust users’ bandwidth. The differentiated experience monetization enables operators to find more opportunities in more scenarios, such as gaming, business traveling and hotspot areas.

Moving onto intelligent homes, Chen detailed how operators in Korea and China are establishing a unified intelligent home entry with an AI agent inside. The agent serves as a gateway for accessing different intelligent home devices and AI-based services, interpreting the intentions of each family member and invoking the right applications in the cloud. For example, in the instance that an elderly relative falls, the home Wi-Fi router can automatically detect it, recognize that they need help, and alert family members. Operators can use different services to meet different needs; in this way, by bundling a high-speed fiber network with an AI Agent that can invoke various cloud services, operators can begin to shift from being home broadband providers to AI services providers.

Chen explained that while AI provides opportunities in toC and toH business, it also supports digital transformation for other industries. For example, An operator from North Africa has used its existing mobile money service as an entry point for SMEs, and is utilizing its cloud as a platform to support digital transformation of vertical industries – this was the key to developing B2B business. Its cloud was built to meet the needs of local industry and integrates both local and global partners into a unified one-stop digitization platform. It provides developers with a low code environment featuring 1-click onboarding of new applications. In this way, operators can expand from connectivity into a broad range of cloud services to help local industries bridge the digital intelligence gap.

Traditional operations and maintenance also need AI-based innovation to support techco transformation. Interruption to a wireless service can be identified in under three minutes, with an AI agent assisting the field engineer throughout the repair process. The whole process is automatic, thanks to the telecom foundation model. Without it, network troubleshooting involves entire network elements and many engineers, but with the model, the troubleshooting is fully automated with an AI agent, and the Field Maintenance Engineer carrying out the repairs is fully supported by an AI copilot.  This improves the user experience, reducing the provisioning time and troubleshooting time, and helping to optimize resource allocation efficiency.

Outlining how operators can adopt this capability, Chen explained that the first step is for operators to build a digital twin of their network and its services, then integrate this with a large telecom model. Finally, they should construct and implement knowledge-based automatic O&M operations into their daily activities.

Chen explained some major changes that will be required in the sphere of infrastructure, noting that data centers will need to be upgraded to support both high-performance training and fast inference. The traditionally north-south traffic flow is being joined by an east-west flow, and network capabilities are evolving from best effort to deterministic experience. Chen outlined how a future-oriented architecture should consider the various layers of these changes:

Intelligent connections: the network should evolve to support deterministic experience and lossless connection.

Intelligent clouds: build distributed and diversified computing power to provide cloud-based services and intelligent computing services.

All elements collaboration, from planning to operation: the operators should consider collaborative construction and resource scheduling between cloud and network, and between network and computing power.

The development of AI will accelerate techco transformation, and Chen explained how Huawei can help operators from three perspectives.

Firstly, it provides AI-boosted business, which can help operators to enrich their service offerings such as connectivity + X to SMEs, Cloud platform for large industries, and a mobile money Super-app.

Next, it supports AI-enabled operation. With Huawei’s telecom foundation model operators can enable existing NOC and SOC with AI Agents and Copilots.

Finally, it helps evolve to AI-centric Infrastructure. Operators can leverage Huawei’s technology leadership to help build a synergetic infrastructure with flexible resource scheduling to meet future service requirements.

The AI era has arrived, and the best time to act is now. Chen stated Huawei’s belief that transformation is not the goal – value creation is the essence. Huawei is willing to work together with operators and partners to accelerate the transformation to techco through joint innovation and efforts, continuously creating greater value.

This Industry Viewpoint was authored by Shabahat Shakeel, Head of Business Development, WaveMaker

The telecom industry is at the cusp of transformation, driven by advancements in 5G, edge computing, and IoT. At the heart of this transformation lies the concept of network APIs. … [visit site to read more]

News

This week, Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile have announced a new joint venture, SatCo, to bring space-based mobile broadband to Europe. The company said it will aim to provide “100% geographic coverage in every part of Europe”

SatCo will act as the exclusive distributor of AST SpaceMobile’s satellite services across Europe, using Vodafone’s network and AST’s low Earth orbit (LEO) technology. The collaboration is set to deliver mobile broadband directly to users without requiring additional hardware or software.  

“Vodafone’s space-based mobile broadband will mean our customers can stay connected, wherever they are. Our new satellite company will be able to offer this pioneering technology to other European mobile operators through a turnkey service that combines Vodafone’s leading network and engineering with AST SpaceMobile’s ‘antennas in the sky’,” said Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle in a press release. 

The company will be headquartered in Europe and will operate a network of ground stations to ensure secure and sovereign backhaul services. AST SpaceMobile’s satellites function as remote radio heads, maintaining core network control within MNOs.  

In January, Vodafone announced that it had successfully conducted the world’s first space-based mobile video call using AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites. The demonstration showed that satellite broadband can integrate with Vodafone’s existing mobile networks. With commercial rollout planned for 2025 and 2026, the service will expand coverage to areas where traditional networks struggle, including mountains, rural locations, and open waters. 

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Airwallex, a global payments and financial platform for growing businesses, says it has signed definitive agreements to acquire CTIN Pay, an intermediary payment service (IPS) licensed company in Vietnam.

The acquisition, subject to customary closing conditions, expands Airwallex’s existing licences across major Asia-Pacific (APAC) markets, including Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, mainland China and Japan.

This move, the company adds, deepens the global reach of Airwallex’s financial infrastructure, aiding Vietnamese merchants to its overseas expansion, and facilitating international businesses to enter the Vietnamese market.

Airwallex says that Vietnam’s economy, with its strong growth and rapid digital transformation, is well positioned as a strategic growth market for the company in the region.

It adds that by expanding its financial infrastructure across Southeast Asia, Airwallex is well-positioned to support businesses in Vietnam, enabling them to scale internationally with greater ease.

Airwallex is strategically acquiring companies to strengthen its global presence and build a robust financial foundation for businesses worldwide. The acquisition in Vietnam follows the completion of Airwallex’s purchase of MexPago, a Mexico-based payment service provider with an Institution of Electronic Payment Funds (IFPE) licence. 

Founded in Australia in 2015 and now headquartered in Singapore, Airwallex has achieved significant growth across the APAC region in recent years. Globally, Airwallex has exceeded US$600 million in annualised revenue and US$130 billion in annualised transaction volume – a testament, it says, to the growing demand for its cross-border payment solutions and global financial infrastructure.

Contributed Article

The evolution of mobile networks will transform how people connect, work, and interact with technology. At this year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona, Huawei’s Corporate Senior Vice President and President of lCT Sales & Service, Li Peng highlighted the role of 5G advancements in improving the user experiences and creating new business opportunities, in his keynote speech

“We’re rapidly entering a fully intelligent world. Intelligent applications are spreading everywhere, placing new demands on networks,” said Li. “By embracing and evolving 5G, we can unlock the infinite potential of mobile networks. Huawei is willing and ready to work with carriers and industry partners around the world to promote digital enablement, reinforce network foundations, and bring AI to all. Together, we can shape the D.N.A for an intelligent world.”

Improving mobile networks

Li emphasised how the way people interact with technology is changing. With the rise of voice assistants, cloud-based applications, and smart services, mobile networks must offer faster speeds and lower latency. As mobile experiences become more interactive (such as AI-powered voice and visual assistants) networks also must evolve to meet these increased demands.

To be able to do this, networks need to transition from 5G NSA (non-standalone) to 5G SA (standalone) and eventually to 5G-A. Key technologies like Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS), which separates control and user data traffic to improve network efficiency, and Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR), which ensures a minimum data rate for specific services, will be essential to improving network responsiveness and efficiency.

Managing increased network traffic

Li also discussed the rapid growth of digital content production and distribution. As high-quality videos and interactive media become more widely used, mobile data usage is expected to rise to an “unprecedented” level, again highlighting the need for more spectrum, more network capacity, and greater upload and download bandwidth.

Expanding coverage for smart devices and IoT

As smart devices and cloud services become more widespread, the demand for fast, reliable network coverage continues to grow. By 2030, over a billion people are expected to rely on cloud-based services, which will require seamless access to data and applications. Additionally, smart vehicles and other IoT devices will need continuous network coverage across cities, highways, and rural areas. Carriers will need to continue expanding 5G networks to provide the coverage necessary for these increased needs.

Improving network management with smarter operations

With networks becoming more complex, Li emphasised the importance of smarter operations and maintenance (O&M) systems. Many carriers are already using AI-powered tools to enhance efficiency, predict network issues, reduce downtime, and optimise network traffic in real time. By making these improvements, carriers can provide better service reliability and faster response times, ensuring a more seamless and consistent mobile experience. Some carriers who are already using AI agents, and those with self-learning capabilities can increase troubleshooting efficiency by 30%, by predicting and locating faults in just a few seconds.

New business opportunities

Li also highlighted how carriers can explore new ways to generate revenue. By offering premium services based on network speed, reliability, and custom features, telecom operators can cater to different customer groups. In China for example, telcos have partnered with industries like insurance and hospitality to offer new communication services through Open APIs, leading to increased revenue growth from business clients.

Li predicted that the combination of 5G-A and AI technologies could lead to double-digit growth in Data of Usage (DOU) and Average Revenue Per User (ARPU), creating big opportunities for carriers to monetise their networks.

“The opportunities are huge,” concluded Li. “And the time to act is now. Pioneers are already scaling up fast in over 200 cities around the world. They’re taking solid steps forward, unlocking incredible new value.”

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News 

Verizon Business is expanding its Internet of Things (IoT) services with two new key partnerships 

Image credit: Verizon

Verizon Business has teamed up with Singapore’s Singtel and satellite provider Skylo to offer IoT connectivity in over 200 countries. Customers can now manage services through Verizon’s ThingSpace platform, using a mix of satellite, roaming, and eSIM solutions. 

Singtel will join Verizon’s Global IoT Orchestration service, which lets businesses activate IoT devices internationally using partner networks. The partnership will help Verizon customers expand their IoT coverage in the Asia Pacific region. With the service now available, Verizon’s Global IoT Orchestration also includes Bell Canada and Telenor IoT. 

In the US, Verizon has partnered with Skylo to provide IoT coverage in areas where traditional cellular signals may not reach. The service is expected to expand internationally in the future.  

“Our IoT services and platforms are designed to meet our customers’ needs wherever they do business, which is all around the world. We’re thrilled to see Global IoT Orchestration in-market now and satellite-enhanced IoT coverage in the U.S. to be available nearterm, enabling worldwide connectivity for our customers from the best partners in the industry,” said Shamik Basu, Vice President, Strategic Connectivity, Verizon Business in a press release. 

The Global IoT Orchestration service is available through Verizon’s ThingSpace platform, allowing businesses to manage IoT connectivity in both domestic and international markets. Customers can use eSIM profiles from Verizon’s partners to activate devices in supported regions, ensuring local-like coverage. 

The new service is available to US based businesses looking to activate IoT devices internationally.  

Join us at Connected America NEXT WEEK in Dallas! Heavily discounted tickets are available here

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Could a new hydrogen fuel cell-based backup power solution for telecom towers revolutionise power supply in India by providing a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional diesel generators?

This appears to be the thinking behind a government announcement earlier this week, which highlighted proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells as a way to offer an environmentally friendly, efficient, and reliable energy source.

PEM fuel cells generate electricity by using hydrogen as fuel; water vapour is the only by-product. They also offer quick start-up times, operate at relatively low temperatures, and require much less maintenance than diesel generators.

News service IANS explains that the fuel cell technology works by an electrochemical reaction, where hydrogen gas is fed into the anode, oxidised to release protons, and then travels through a polymer membrane to the cathode. It reacts with oxygen to generate electricity and water, providing a clean energy solution.

India has over a million telecom towers, many in remote areas where diesel generators are often used as backup power sources. However, these generators are costly, inefficient and contribute significantly to carbon emissions,

Regulator TRAI in a 2012 directive mandates that at least 50% of rural telecom towers and 33% of urban towers switch to hybrid renewable energy sources.

Integrating PEM fuel cells with telecom towers might support this vision, though a timetable for their rollout does not appear to have yet been suggested.

Could a new hydrogen fuel cell-based backup power solution for telecom towers revolutionise rollout in India by providing a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional diesel generators?

This appears to be the thinking behind a government announcement earlier this week, which highlighted proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, as a way to offer an environmentally friendly, efficient, and reliable energy source.

PEM fuel cells generate electricity by using hydrogen as fuel; water vapour is the only by-product. They also offer quick start-up times, operate at relatively low temperatures, and require much less maintenance than diesel generators.

News service IANS explains that the fuel cell technology works by an electrochemical reaction, where hydrogen gas is fed into the anode, oxidised to release protons, and then travels through a polymer membrane to the cathode. It reacts with oxygen to generate electricity and water, providing a clean energy solution.

India has over a million telecom towers, many in remote areas where diesel generators are often used as backup power sources. However, these generators are costly, inefficient, and contribute significantly to carbon emissions,

Regulator TRAI, in a 2012 directive, mandated that at least 50% of rural telecom towers and 33% of urban towers switch to hybrid renewable energy sources. Integrating PEM fuel cells with telecom towers might support this vision, though a timetable for their rollout does not appear to have been suggested.

Two interesting metro fiber questions were answered this week by a bit of fiber M&A. Lightpath has announced the acquisition of WANRack’s business in Phoenix, Arizona. … [visit site to read more]

News 

BT is encouraging small businesses across the UK to move from analogue technology to digital networks before the end of 2025, as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is set to be retired 

New research indicates that one in five SMEs (22%) still use traditional landlines, fax machines, and paper-based systems, which could lead to service disruptions as the network is phased out. 

Ofcom’s latest Connected Nations report highlights an increase in network incidents on the ageing infrastructure, rising by 45% in the past year. BT advises businesses to switch to digital services to ensure continuity and take advantage of modern connectivity options. 

BT has already moved nearly 300,000 business lines to digital in 2024. The company is working to ensure all its business customers have switched by 31 December 2025, ahead of the full network closure in early 2027. Any devices still relying on PSTN, including payment terminals and security alarms, will stop working after this date. 

The move to digital is supported by Ofcom and the UK Government as part of a broader plan to improve national connectivity. Businesses that have already switched report benefits, 80% say digital solutions give them an advantage, while 79% have gained more customers. 

Despite the benefits, some businesses remain reluctant to upgrade. In the past, 14% were slow to adopt the internet, 18% hesitated with social media, and 11% delayed using personal computers. 

With 73% of UK businesses now relying on high-speed broadband and mobile connectivity, digital transformation is becoming essential. Those that delay may struggle to keep up with modern technology. 

“The UK’s analogue copper telephone network has a proud history, but it’s no longer up to the task for businesses. It’s simply too risky to build the economy on a shaky foundation, and we’re calling on all businesses to move before the end of 2025 – well ahead of the switch-off,” said Kerry Small, chief operating officer of business at BT in a press release. 

“Analogue companies making the move now can benefit from rock-solid digital connectivity to help keep them in business for years to come. We’re supporting customers small and large through the move, so no business is left behind. Whether you’re a tech start-up or a family firm passed down through generations, when it comes to going digital – BT’s got your back,” she continued. 

The company is encouraging business owners to act now to avoid last-minute disruption. 

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