Introduction to a New Era of Mobile Growth
The mobile communications industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation, driven by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and the increasing demand for intelligent connectivity. At the Mobile Broadband Forum (MBBF) Top Talk Summit, held in conjunction with MWC Shanghai 2026, industry experts gathered to discuss the next decade of mobile development and the key paths to achieving it. David Wang, Huawei’s Deputy Chairman of the Board and Rotating Chairman, emphasized the importance of driving the advancement of mobile communications in three key areas: industry, technology, and business.
The integration of AI with mobile communications is expected to unlock new growth opportunities, but it also presents significant challenges. As Wang noted, the industry must coordinate efforts to connect people, things, and agents with a single network, while also developing integrated satellite-ground networks and allocating ultra-large, contiguous spectrum blocks to support a generational leap in mobile communications. Furthermore, the use of AI-native architecture for next-generation core networks will be crucial in supporting agentic services. With the mobile industry entering the age of intelligence, the focus is shifting from traditional connectivity models to more complex AI-driven applications and services.
The implications of this shift are far-reaching, with potential applications in various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and transportation. For instance, AI-powered mobile networks can enable real-time interaction, guaranteed connectivity, and low-latency data transfer, which are essential for applications such as remote healthcare and autonomous vehicles. As the industry moves towards a more intelligent and connected future, the development of sustainable and future-oriented spectrum planning and allocation will be critical in supporting the growing demand for mobile services.
The Rise of Token Monetization
Huawei is urging telecom operators to prepare for a new era of “token monetization,” where AI-generated tokens are used to create new revenue opportunities beyond traditional connectivity services. According to Wang, the rapid adoption of AI and AI agents will drive growth in token services, which will require ultra-broadband networks that support high uplink, high reliability, and low latency. This shift towards token monetization is expected to drive significant revenue growth for telecom operators, with potential applications in areas such as digital wallets, smart contracts, and IoT devices.
The concept of token monetization is not new, but its application in the telecom industry is still in its early stages. However, with the increasing demand for AI-powered services, telecom operators are exploring new business models that can help them capitalize on this trend. For example, China Telecom has announced plans to trial commercial AI token subscription plans, which will allow users to leverage its AI compute power. This move is expected to drive incremental revenues for the company and provide a new revenue stream beyond traditional connectivity services.
The use of token monetization is also expected to have significant implications for the telecom industry’s business models. As operators move towards a more service-oriented approach, they will need to develop new revenue streams that are based on the value of the services they provide, rather than just the volume of data transmitted. This will require a fundamental shift in the way operators approach their business, with a greater focus on innovation, customer experience, and ecosystem development.
AI-Driven Networks and Services
The development of AI-driven networks and services is a key area of focus for Huawei, with the company investing heavily in research and development. According to Wang, AI-native mobile networks will require the integration of communications, computing, and intelligence capabilities within a unified architecture. This will enable the development of more complex AI-driven applications and services, such as intelligent assistants, smart homes, and autonomous vehicles.
The use of AI in mobile networks is expected to have significant implications for the industry, with potential applications in areas such as network optimization, customer service, and security. For example, AI-powered network optimization can help operators improve network performance, reduce latency, and increase capacity. Similarly, AI-powered customer service can help operators provide more personalized and efficient customer support, while AI-powered security can help protect against cyber threats and data breaches.
Huawei is also working with industry partners to develop new services and capabilities that can help operators capitalize on the growth of AI-driven applications and services. For example, the company has launched a range of AI-powered services, including intelligent network optimization, smart customer service, and AI-powered security. These services are designed to help operators improve their network performance, reduce costs, and increase revenue.
The Future of Digital Transformation
The rapid advancement of AI and other emerging technologies is driving a new phase of digital transformation, with significant implications for businesses and industries. According to Christophe Hermant, Head of Cloud Infrastructure at Orange Business, organizations that modernize their infrastructure will be positioned to make use of emerging technologies such as generative and agentic AI. However, this will require a fundamental shift in the way businesses approach their digital transformation, with a greater focus on innovation, customer experience, and ecosystem development.
The use of AI and other emerging technologies is expected to have significant implications for the future of digital transformation. As businesses move towards a more digital and connected future, they will need to develop new strategies and approaches that can help them capitalize on these trends. This will require a fundamental shift in the way businesses approach their digital transformation, with a greater focus on innovation, customer experience, and ecosystem development.
The development of sustainable and future-oriented digital transformation strategies will be critical in supporting the growing demand for digital services. As businesses move towards a more digital and connected future, they will need to develop new strategies and approaches that can help them capitalize on these trends. This will require a fundamental shift in the way businesses approach their digital transformation, with a greater focus on innovation, customer experience, and ecosystem development.
The Importance of Full-Stack Technology
The development of full-stack technology is a key area of focus for Huawei, with the company investing heavily in research and development. According to Steven Zhou, President of Smart PV & ESS Product Line at Huawei Digital Power, future PV and ESS products must evolve to grid-supporting assets, with future-proof flexibility, grid-forming capability, and intelligence. The use of full-stack technology is expected to have significant implications for the industry, with potential applications in areas such as smart grids, energy storage, and electric vehicles.
The development of full-stack technology is a complex and challenging process, requiring significant investment in research and development. However, the potential benefits are significant, with the potential to drive significant revenue growth and improve the efficiency and sustainability of the grid. As the industry moves towards a more intelligent and connected future, the development of full-stack technology will be critical in supporting the growing demand for digital services.
The use of full-stack technology is also expected to have significant implications for the industry’s business models. As operators move towards a more service-oriented approach, they will need to develop new revenue streams that are based on the value of the services they provide, rather than just the volume of data transmitted. This will require a fundamental shift in the way operators approach their business, with a greater focus on innovation, customer experience, and ecosystem development.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The mobile communications industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation, driven by the rapid advancement of AI and the increasing demand for intelligent connectivity. As the industry moves towards a more intelligent and connected future, the development of sustainable and future-oriented spectrum planning and allocation, AI-driven networks and services, and full-stack technology will be critical in supporting the growing demand for digital services.
The implications of this shift are far-reaching, with potential applications in various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and transportation. As the industry moves towards a more digital and connected future, businesses and industries will need to develop new strategies and approaches that can help them capitalize on these trends. This will require a fundamental shift in the way businesses approach their digital transformation, with a greater focus on innovation, customer experience, and ecosystem development.
As we look to the future, it is clear that the mobile communications industry will play a critical role in shaping the digital landscape. With the rapid advancement of AI and other emerging technologies, the industry will need to be agile and adaptable, with a focus on innovation, customer experience, and ecosystem development. The potential benefits are significant, with the potential to drive significant revenue growth, improve the efficiency and sustainability of the grid, and enable new and innovative applications and services.
