On 4 March 2026, the “AI Beyond Boundaries Summit: AI Drives B2B New Growth” was successfully held during MWC26 Barcelona.
Hosted by the GSMA, the summit focused on the strategic integration of AI with operators’ connectivity capabilities. It aimed to support enterprises in evolving from traditional connectivity providers into builders of digital transformation and intelligent ecosystems.
Bringing together global leaders from across the communications and technology sectors, the summit explored how AI is becoming a core engine of commercial innovation and growth for operators and ecosystem partners in the B2B domain.
In his opening remarks, Alex Sinclair, CTO of the GSMA, highlighted the accelerating transformation of operators from connectivity providers to builders of digital and intelligent ecosystems. Through the convergence of AI, cloud, network and edge computing, operators are creating executable and scalable B2B solutions.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration across the entire ecosystem, with shared standards, shared platforms and shared innovation spaces.
Michael Ma, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Vice President of Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., President of Huawei ICT Product Portfolio Management & Solutions Dept., pointed out three paths for operators to achieve true B2B growth through AI: using standardised AI products to help SMEs achieve inclusive intelligence; using scenario-based converged solutions to enable core production processes in advantageous industries; and using an integrated infrastructure to support the infinite possibilities of the physical AI world.
Pablo Iacopino, Head of Research and Commercial Content at GSMA Intelligence, shared emerging trends on how AI is accelerating B2B growth.
According to GSMA Intelligence, B2B revenue already accounts for around 30% of total revenue for major global operators. He identified three key strategies for further growth: focusing on selected technologies and services beyond connectivity; adopting a cross-service approach; and positioning operators as long-term digital transformation partners for enterprises.
Bi Qi, Chief Scientist and VP of the Science and Technology Committee at China Telecom, elaborated on the integration of 5G-Advanced and AI in the context of Mobile AI. He described how networks can provide capabilities for AI, while AI reshapes network architecture and operations.
He also shared China Telecom’s practical use cases in Suzhou and Anhui, highlighting applications in tourism and healthcare.
Julie Isdahl, SVP Head of Technology Transformation and Competency at Telenor Group, shared Telenor’s journey in transforming from a connectivity provider into a smart ecosystem enabler, with a focus on networking, trusted and sovereign AI infrastructure, and security services.
Wing K. Lee, CEO of YTL Communications, introduced YTL’s AI cloud services, data centers and 5G Advanced network development. He highlighted YTL’s locally developed Malaysian large language model, ILMU, and how, together with YTL’s infrastructure, it helped RYT Bank become the world’s first AI-driven smart bank.
Yongde Wang, President of Huawei Carrier XtoB Domain, emphasized the strategic importance of B2B — particularly SMB-focused B2B — for operators. He shared AI-enabled solutions across smart retail, healthcare, education and manufacturing.
Sylvain Zou, Group Product Marketing Director at SUNMI Technology, demonstrated how SUNMI’s AI solutions are empowering smart retail, catering, logistics, public services and transportation.
Kallitsa Savvidou, Head of New Business and Innovation IoT at Telefónica Tech, shared how Telefónica is leveraging AI across its IoT platform, supported by edge and cloud services. Applications span clean tech, smart mobility, urban management and healthcare.
The summit was moderated by Lin Li, Head of Ecosystem Engagement at GSMA Greater China, who summarized the key insights and emphasized the importance of AI empowering B2B industries.
Following the main sessions, GSMA invited speakers and attendees to the stage to jointly issue a call for action to drive B2B growth through AI.
The consensus was clear: AI is becoming a key driver of B2B innovation and growth, and industry players must work together to build a more open, collaborative and win-win intelligent ecosystem.
Looking ahead, GSMA will continue working with global operators, equipment vendors and industry partners to strengthen network foundations, accelerate AI convergence and cultivate a thriving ecosystem — through platforms such as MWC Barcelona, MWC Shanghai and other global industry event.