ZTE signed a memorandum of understanding with Indonesian telecom operator XLSmart to expand their existing cooperation into AI-powered 5G networks and fixed wireless access.
The MoU was signed during MWC Shanghai 2026 and announced the following month. Under it, the two companies will jointly develop end-to-end AI capabilities across XLSmart’s radio access networks, transport network, core network, and network operations.
AI scope runs across the network stack
The agreement ties AI work to multiple layers of XLSmart’s network rather than a single pilot or product. It also calls for XLSmart and ZTE to expand network capabilities, enable new digital services, and establish a stronger foundation for the next generation of connectivity.
XLSmart president director Rajeev Sethi said the collaboration will help the company build a more intelligent, automated, and efficient network while continuing to deliver reliable digital experiences for customers. He added that it will support XLSmart’s 5G and FWA businesses, improve the efficient use of network and energy resources, and create new opportunities to serve Indonesian households and businesses.
FWA is part of the commercial push
The companies plan to accelerate commercialization and growth of XLSmart’s 5G FWA offering through network evolution and optimization, CPE innovation, enhanced broadband experiences, market expansion, and exploration of new commercial opportunities. The initiatives are intended to support XLSmart’s plan to expand blanket 5G coverage across Indonesia and develop FWA as a key growth engine through the rest of 2026.
What this means for 5G and FWA buyers
The deal gives XLSmart a vendor-backed path to fold AI into network operations while it pushes 5G and FWA commercialization. For operators watching Indonesian coverage plans, the telling detail is that XLSmart is linking FWA growth to network evolution, CPE work, and broader coverage expansion rather than treating it as a standalone access play.