ZTE's MWC "Full-Stack AI" Showcase: From Chips to Networks, Deep in Global 5G/6G Buildout

Barcelona — If you want to understand the real technical strength of Chinese telecom equipment vendors, ZTE's booth at MWC 2026 offers a good observation point.

This year, the Chinese telecom giant took the stage with "Full-Stack AI Innovation," showcasing comprehensive capabilities from chips to networks. From GigaMIMO 6G prototype to AI-driven immersive services, ZTE is responding to market doubts with technology.

No Longer a "Follower"

Over the past decade, ZTE has transformed from "follower" to "challenger" to "leader."

"Before 2018, we were indeed followers in many areas," ZTE's CTO said in media沟通会. "But over the past seven years, we've completed our technical accumulation. Now in many areas — especially 5G and the coming 6G — we're the leaders."

This transformation shows in specific exhibits. At ZTE's booth, the most attention-grabbing was the GigaMIMO 6G prototype — a next-gen base station capable of handling thousands of antenna channels simultaneously.

"This is the industry's first 6G prototype that can be demonstrated live," booth engineers said proudly. "It not only provides ultra-high speeds but also enables communication-sensing integration — future base stations won't just communicate but can also 'see' surrounding objects."

AI-Driven "Immersive Services"

Beyond hardware, ZTE also showcased multiple AI-driven software and services.

Most noteworthy: the industry's first AI-driven U6G band immersive service. Simply put, this technology uses AI algorithms to dynamically allocate spectrum resources, giving users more stable high-speed connections.

"Traditional networks require manual spectrum configuration," explained ZTE's network product lead. "But AI can analyze network conditions in real-time and make optimal decisions automatically. This means networks can 'self-optimize' — without human intervention."

This technology is expected to undergo commercial testing in 2027 and official deployment in 2028.

Full-Stack Capabilities: From Chips to Applications

ZTE's "Full-Stack AI" strategy manifests at every level:

Chip Level: Self-developed AI chips for base stations and edge computing

Equipment Level: Next-gen base stations with integrated AI capabilities

Network Level: AI-driven network management and optimization

Application Level: Vertical industry AI solutions

Chip Level: Self-developed AI chips for base stations and edge computing

Equipment Level: Next-gen base stations with integrated AI capabilities

Network Level: AI-driven network management and optimization

Application Level: Vertical industry AI solutions

"This full-stack capability is our unique advantage," the CTO said. "Western vendors usually only do one of these layers. But operators need end-to-end solutions — ZTE provides complete one-stop services."

Deep Involvement in Global 5G/6G Buildout

An interesting detail: despite U.S. sanctions, ZTE remains deeply involved in global 5G network construction.

"We have cooperative relationships with over 100 operators globally," ZTE's international market head said. "They choose ZTE not for political positions but for our technology and cost-performance."

In 5G base station market share, Huawei, Ericsson, Nokia, and ZTE rank top four. But in ZTE's view, 6G is the real "game-changer."

"We caught up to advanced levels in 5G," the CTO said. "In 6G, we aim to overtake."

Reference: The Hindu BusinessLine, Lightwave, RCR Wireless