5G-A Empowers IoT Era With Intelligent Connectivity

At MWC Shanghai 2025, during the GSMA IoT Summit, Eric Zhao, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Huawei Wireless Solution, delivered a keynote titled “5G-A Powers All-Scenario IoT, Turbocharging a New AIoT Era for All.” In his address, Zhao emphasized how the convergence of IoT and AI is creating ubiquitous intelligent connections across all sectors of society.

He explained that the rise of 5G-A IoT intelligent connectivity hinges on three critical elements:

All-scenario IoT that covers every application domain.
Ultra-broadband networks that transport data to the cloud in real time.
Intelligent applications driven by industry-specific AI models.

AI and IoT: The Convergence That Changes Everything

The fusion of AI and cellular IoT is transforming everyday life. Devices like intelligent vehicles and embodied AI robots are increasingly connected. As a result, intelligent applications now operate in diverse fields—from automated production lines to smart city ports.

Unconnected environments are also becoming part of this ecosystem. This opens new opportunities for innovations such as:

Drone-based power grid inspections
AI-powered urban management tools

The Three Pillars of Intelligent IoT

1. All-Scenario IoT

All-scenario IoT connects everything—from homes to industries—through diverse IoT technologies. New additions like 5G RedCap and Ambient IoT join NB-IoT to support varying needs:

Real-time control for AI robots
Fast connections for product quality inspection
Low-latency, low-power connections for smart sensors

These technologies ensure that every type of device can be part of the intelligent ecosystem.

2. Ultra-Broadband 5G-A Networks

5G-Advanced (5G-A) networks bring significant improvements:

Gbps uplink speeds
Ultra-low latency
Broad coverage

This enables one network to handle a wide variety of services. It supports hyperscale data collection and the real-time transfer of data to cloud platforms for AI training and decision-making.

For example, smart cities and factories benefit from data flowing instantly from edge devices to intelligent cloud systems.

3. Industry-Specific Intelligent Applications

As more industries adopt scenario-based AI models, intelligent applications are becoming central to operations. However, they require high-quality data to function effectively.

A case in point: A smart manufacturing facility in Guangdong, China, integrates AI algorithms into 5G HD cameras. These inspect product quality in real-time. As a result:

Product defects have decreased
Equipment repair rates dropped by 20%
Annual savings exceeded CNY 1 million

Such outcomes show how 5G-A IoT intelligent connectivity improves efficiency and lowers costs.

Building the Future Through Ecosystem Collaboration

Huawei and its partners aim to standardize intelligent IoT. Zhao highlighted their efforts to enhance foundation model accuracy and improve agent task success rates. Alongside TM Forum and other collaborators, they are developing:

Lifecycle standards for foundation models
Technical specs for AI agents

These efforts help turn innovations into global frameworks, accelerating the digital transformation of the entire ICT industry.

Huawei’s Vision: An Intelligent IoT for All

As 5G-Advanced sees wider adoption in 2025, Huawei is working globally with telecom carriers, industry leaders, and innovators. The goal is to integrate AI into every layer of telecom—from infrastructure and services to revenue models.

“We will continue to work with partners to expand the applications of cellular IoT and AI,” Zhao stated.
“Together, we’ll build a thriving ecosystem for full intelligent connectivity.”

During MWC Shanghai 2025, Huawei is showcasing its latest solutions at Hall N1 of the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC). The event runs from June 18 to June 20.

The future of 5G-A IoT intelligent connectivity promises smarter cities, advanced industries, and AI-powered solutions for every scenario. Huawei’s continued innovation is laying the groundwork for a truly intelligent and connected world.