Autonomous networks took center stage at MWC Barcelona 2026, where ZTE Corporation hosted a panel discussion with Intel, Red Hat, StarHub, and Whale Cloud on March 9, 2026. The session, titled “Trilateral Shift: AI, AIOps, and Cloud Imperative,” examined how these three forces are reshaping the foundations of next-generation telecommunications.
The panel focused on the practical implementation and business value of autonomous networks. Experts discussed how cross-industry collaboration is critical to making AI-powered networks a commercial reality, moving from basic automation toward true network autonomy.
The Trilateral Shift Explained
Panelists argued that the future of networking does not rest on any single technology. Instead, it requires the synchronized integration of intelligent software, autonomous network operations, and trusted infrastructure. The discussion covered how artificial intelligence is creating more adaptive networks and how AIOps are evolving from simple automation to agent-based systems.
Cloud architectures also featured prominently in the discussion. Experts noted that cloud infrastructure is becoming critical for meeting regional data regulations and ensuring network resilience across different markets.
Autonomous Networks: Executive Perspectives
“The leap to autonomous networks requires a foundation of full-stack intelligence. ZTE delivers comprehensive AI solutions and deep integration capabilities, focusing on creating an open ecosystem where collaboration drives shared success.”
Wang Quan, Vice President, ZTE
“At Intel, we see this convergence of AI, AIOps, and cloud as the catalyst for next generation networks. Our silicon innovations, including built-in AI, combined with industry expertise, are making this vision a commercial reality.”
Cristina Rodrigues, Vice President, Network and Edge Group, Intel
“The telecommunications landscape is entering its most transformative chapter yet, where the industry conversation has reached a decisive pivot from experimentation to industrialized AI. By providing a common cloud-native foundation, Red Hat enables service providers to operationalize AI-native networks.”
Honoré LaBourdette, Vice President, Telco, Media, Entertainment and Edge Ecosystem, Red Hat
Data Sovereignty and Security Priorities
Dr. Volkan Sevindik, Chief Technology Officer at StarHub, said the convergence of AI, AIOps, and cloud marks a decisive shift in how networks are designed and operated. He stated that StarHub is embedding trusted infrastructure, governance, and performance directly into the foundation of its platforms.
Wu Zhouxi, Head of Cloud Solutions at Whale Cloud, said data sovereignty has become a strategic priority rather than a compliance checkbox. He added that operators must ensure critical data remains secure, controllable, and compliant with evolving regional regulations. Whale Cloud combines locally governed AI with closed-loop network intelligence to support this goal.
Ecosystem Collaboration and Live Demonstrations
The panel concluded that the journey toward intelligent, autonomous networks is fundamentally a collaborative effort. Panelists agreed that network performance, intelligent operations, and trusted data governance are all critical components of this integrated shift.
Beyond the panel, ZTE showcased collaborative solutions with Red Hat at the ZTE booth in the Ecosystem exhibition area at MWC Barcelona 2026. The live demonstration highlighted how the integration enables operators to accelerate their journey toward autonomous network deployment. The exhibition served as a practical example of ecosystem collaboration translating vision into deployable reality.