U Mobile Teams Up with ZTE to Pilot AI-Enhanced 5G Core Network at MWC Barcelona

4 March 2026

BARCELONA, Spain: U Mobile, Malaysia’s newest 5G network provider, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ZTE (Malaysia) Corporation, a global leader in integrated information and communication technology solutions.

The collaboration will see U Mobile leverage ZTE’s Air Core solution, an advanced, AI-native core network platform designed for the 5G-Advanced (5G-A) and 6G eras, to pilot AI-driven capabilities within its 5G network.

The initiative aims to enhance U Mobile’s network efficiency, stability, and performance, while laying the groundwork for transitioning its network from cloud-native to more AI-native architecture through the deployment of AI and Digital Twin technologies within its 5G core.

Under the MoU, U Mobile and ZTE will jointly conduct planning and feasibility studies for Air Core use cases, focusing on three key initiatives:

AI and NWDAF Integration: Enabling a more data-driven and intelligent core network by leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning models to deliver enhanced user experiences through improved traffic prediction, resource optimisation, and dynamic policy adjustments, ensuring consistent performance during peak periods.

AI-Enabled Service Identification: Providing intelligent service identification using Large Language Model (LLM) capabilities. This allows self-updating Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) databases for quicker recognition of new services and protocols, helping the network adapt in real time to evolving digital services and opening new monetisation opportunities.

AI in Operations:Driving AI-powered automation across the core network environment to address complex Operations and Maintenance (O&M) scenarios, delivering a highly efficient, stable, and high-quality network. These capabilities also bolster network resilience and security through intelligent threat detection and anomaly monitoring, enabling U Mobile to proactively identify and respond to potential vulnerabilities.

Woon Ooi Yuen, Chief Technology Officer of U Mobile, stated: “U Mobile is transforming our 5G core from a cloud-native architecture to an intelligent, AI-native network as part of our broader strategy to enhance stability and customer experience. Our collaboration with ZTE aligns with this vision, as Air Core brings advanced AI capabilities that strengthen network efficiency and resilience.”

“Through feasibility studies, we will explore how AI-driven features can improve performance for consumers with more reliable, seamless connectivity, and for enterprises by providing the predictability required for critical applications. The integration of Digital Twin technologies allows us to simulate and validate new applications and configurations before deployment, accelerating time-to-market for enterprise solutions. This initiative also supports Malaysia’s national digital transformation efforts under the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan.”

Steven Ge, Managing Director of ZTE Malaysia, added: “This collaboration reflects our shared ambition to build the next generation of intelligent networks. With Air Core, we are not only introducing cutting-edge AI capabilities but also working closely with U Mobile to explore practical use cases that enhance efficiency, stability, and service innovation. By combining our global expertise with U Mobile’s forward-looking 5G strategy, we aim to co-create an AI-native network foundation that supports enterprise growth and Malaysia’s broader digital transformation agenda.”

The MoU was formalised between Woon Ooi Yuen, CTO of U Mobile, and Alexander Choong, General Manager of ZTE Malaysia, at MWC Barcelona 2026, in the presence of senior representatives from both organisations. This marks one of four MoUs signed by U Mobile at MWC this year.