According to a report by China Daily on March 6…
Chinese telecom operator China Unicom showcased a range of digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence solutions at the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, highlighting how next-generation networks and computing platforms are being integrated to support industrial digitalization worldwide.
Under the theme “Co-creating an Intelligent Digital Ecosystem”, the company presented developments in computing-network integration, AI-driven applications and industry-specific digital solutions.
Building Global Digital Infrastructure
A central focus of the exhibition was the development of computing-network integrated infrastructure, which combines telecommunications networks with cloud and computing resources.
China Unicom said it has built an extensive international connectivity network, including participation in more than 60 submarine cable systems. The company noted that the combined length of these cables would be enough to circle the Earth 17 times, forming a key digital backbone linking Asia-Pacific, Europe and Africa.
On land, the company operates high-capacity data transmission networks that complement its undersea cables. Through partnerships with more than 200 global telecom operators, China Unicom has also established 16 overseas service nodes, providing global connectivity and digital services such as cloud communications and intelligent customer support.
The company is also integrating artificial intelligence into network operations to improve efficiency, reliability and security across its global infrastructure.
Expanding Industrial Applications of 5G
Another key theme was the integration of digital technologies with real-world industrial scenarios.
China Unicom demonstrated several 5G-powered industry applications, including smart manufacturing, intelligent logistics, smart mining, smart ports and digital healthcare systems.
One example presented at the exhibition involved global automotive production networks. The company said it is helping manufacturers build 5G-connected factories in Southeast Asia, enabling automated guided vehicles and AI-powered quality inspection systems to operate in highly flexible production environments.
At overseas ports such as Valencia in Spain, cloud-network platforms are used to support smart logistics and real-time inventory management.
Vehicles equipped with China Unicom’s connected-car SIM cards can maintain global connectivity after delivery, allowing for remote software updates and smart vehicle services.
AI Ecosystem and Digital Platforms
The telecom operator also introduced an ecosystem combining network infrastructure, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and smart terminals.
Among the technologies showcased were AI-powered digital assistants for marketing and sales, as well as an online platform that uses AI-based systems to generate product recommendations and manage order processing.
The company also presented its broader device ecosystem, including AI-enabled cloud phones, smart cameras and connected home solutions.
China Unicom said its technology supply chain platform currently supports over 150,000 enterprise customers and more than 30,000 distribution partners, with annual sales exceeding 40 billion yuan.
Digital Transformation and Global Collaboration
Executives at the event emphasized the importance of international cooperation in digital infrastructure and industrial transformation.
Feng Lanxiao, chairman and CEO of China Unicom Global Limited, said the company has been expanding its Internet-of-Vehicles services for global automakers.
The platform supports eSIM connectivity and international regulatory compliance, allowing car manufacturers to deploy connected vehicle services more quickly across overseas markets.
AI and Data Infrastructure for the Future
China Unicom also highlighted several initiatives aimed at building a global digital ecosystem, including the development of an international trusted data space designed to facilitate secure cross-border data flows.
The company said it will continue investing in cloud computing, AI infrastructure and integrated communications networks while expanding cooperation with global telecom operators and technology partners.
As telecom providers increasingly position themselves as providers of digital platforms and computing services, companies such as China Unicom are seeking a larger role in the global digital economy.