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China Telecom has strongly ramped up its AI efforts across strategy, technology, and operations. Leadership has publicly framed AI as a core strategic direction – for example, unveiling an “AI+” platform at MWC 2025 with a structured “1+1+1+M+N” framework for cloud, data, and AI models. The company established new AI-focused R&D units (e.g., an AI Innovation Lab with HKUST) and industry initiatives (e.g., a Network Large Model Association) to scale AI development.  

On the technology side, China Telecom invested in AI infrastructure – building wide-area AI computing networks, deploying an “AI-native RAN” and an eSurfing® Cloud (with around 1 EFLOPS) to embed intelligence in its network. It also introduced AI-enhanced products, like the eSurfing AI smartphone with a built-in large model and other smart devices. Internally, AI agents now drive operational excellence: automated O&M tools shortened troubleshooting time by around 0% and cut call-center loads, while overall network fault resolution improved around 30%.  

To support this, China Telecom is training staff and building talent pipelines, partnering with universities for labs and training programs. Notably, however, formal AI ethics guidelines or governance structures have not been publicly detailed. Overall, China Telecom’s actions indicate a committed push to leverage AI for future growth, emphasizing infrastructure build-out, strategic partnerships, and workforce development to sustain an “AI-enabled” service portfolio.