Chinese operators deploy AI-powered RAN at massive scale

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.