×
Chinese operators deploy AI-powered RAN at massive scale
Written by
Published on
Join our daily newsletter for breaking news, product launches and deals, research breakdowns, and other industry-leading AI coverage
Join Now

Chinese telecom operators are making waves with the commercial deployment of AI-powered radio access network (RAN) automation at a scale unmatched by their Western counterparts. While global telecom companies continue to experiment with network intelligence, China’s operators have successfully implemented Level 4 automation across their networks, demonstrating significant real-world benefits in energy efficiency and operational performance. This advancement represents a critical competitive advantage in the race to maximize 5G network capabilities through intelligent, closed-loop automation systems.

The big picture: At MWC25, AI-powered network intelligence dominated discussions as vendors showcased how generative AI and machine learning can optimize telecom networks and improve operator profitability.

  • Radio intelligence promises to automate critical network operations—from real-time power management to spectrum scheduling and interference mitigation.
  • The technology aims to empower mobile operators to rapidly deploy new services and business models with greater confidence and agility.

Chinese operators lead the charge: China Mobile has formalized its autonomous network Level 4 strategy through a national initiative called the “gold-pointing action,” focused on commercial implementation across targeted scenarios.

  • The operator has commissioned Huawei’s Intelligent RAN 2.0 and deployed Watt Master for intelligent power management.
  • These implementations have delivered measurable results, including 10.4 percent energy savings in Hubei province.
  • China Telecom and China Unicom have similarly implemented L4 automation practices across various network scenarios.

Why it matters: China’s approach demonstrates that advanced network automation isn’t just theoretical but commercially viable at industrial scale.

  • Chinese operators have distinguished themselves through systematic planning and comprehensive frameworks rather than isolated technological implementations.
  • They’re establishing clear maturity models and measuring impact through structured KPIs, creating a blueprint for successful network automation.

The bottom line: Global operators seeking to maximize their 5G investments must view intelligent, closed-loop automation as an organizational transformation rather than merely a technological upgrade.

  • The Chinese experience offers valuable lessons for Western telecoms on implementing network intelligence at scale.
  • For operators worldwide, the path to profitable 5G operation increasingly depends on adopting similar automation strategies.
AI RAN – Chinese operators make it a reality, at scale (Analyst Angle)

Recent News

Study reveals 4 ways AI is transforming sexual wellness

AI-powered tools offer relationship advice rated more empathetic than human responses.

In the Money: Google tests interactive finance charts in AI Mode for stock comparisons

Finance queries serve as Google's testing ground for broader data visualization across other subjects.

30 mathematicians met in secret to stump OpenAI. They (mostly) failed.

Mathematicians may soon shift from solving problems to collaborating with AI reasoning bots.