The International Telecommunication Union’s 51st WP 5D meeting marked a significant milestone for 6G. They finalized the Minimum Technical Performance Requirements for IMT-2030, transitioning 6G from vision to implementation. These standards define crucial performance indicators for 6G radio technologies, setting the scene for candidate technology proposals and the development of unified global standards.
As this progresses, ZTE is pushing the boundaries with its 6G strategy. The company anticipates a shift from mobile internet to an agent-centric internet era. Connectivity will expand beyond humans and things to include intelligent agents, necessitating always-on, deterministic connections. Furthermore, interactive experiences will evolve to AI-driven multi-sensory immersion, requiring better uplink and downlink performance, latency, and jitter.
ZTE’s 6G strategy incorporates two principal technological directions: deep integration of artificial intelligence and communications, and space-air-ground network integration. ZTE envisions “Native AI” as a core part of the 6G ecosystem, permeating through network layers and the radio interface. Questions remain on how to create efficient, green infrastructures and coordinate agentic networks with service agents.
The second part of ZTE’s strategy focuses on the convergence of satellite systems and cellular networks. This unification could leverage terrestrial cellular networks for better performance and cost-efficiency compared to traditional satellite systems. However, achieving this requires unified design across architecture, air interface, spectrum, and management.
Efficiency remains a central theme for 6G systems, especially with increased AI incorporation. ZTE’s approach separates into “AI for RAN” and “RAN for AI.” “AI for RAN” aims to improve network performance while reducing energy and costs through dedicated chips. Meanwhile, “RAN for AI” focuses on evolving the radio access network into edge AI infrastructure, though this faces uncertainties in market demand and operator returns.
ZTE has been notable for embracing AI and innovation. They introduced the NodeEngine computing base station in 2020, progressed to UniEngine and AIREngine, and in 2025 developed the AIR solution. This evolution aims at enhancing energy, labor, and investment efficiency.
A distinguished feature of ZTE’s 6G plan is GigaMIMO, which addresses capacity, coverage, and experience challenges in large-scale 6G deployments. GigaMIMO showcases ZTE’s edge in AI integration, using multi-dimensional innovation to enhance network capabilities and user experience.
The company emphasizes the importance of industry collaboration. ZTE, in partnership with China Mobile, accomplished significant validations in AI collaborative scheduling and interoperability. These steps signal the potential for 6G’s large-scale deployment.
In conclusion, industry collaboration and innovative use cases, such as AI-powered immersive communication, will be crucial as ZTE continues to lead in 6G strategy. The upcoming Mobile World Congress in Barcelona will offer a platform for the company to showcase these advancements and vision for the future.
