China Mobile seeks one-stop digital services package for enterprises

A promotional event introducing China Mobile's iSolutions, a one-stop digital services package for enterprises, was held in London last week.

iSolutions can be seen as a toolkit that brings together network connections, 5G, cloud services, the internet of things, artificial intelligence, and more and is designed specifically for businesses that need a comprehensive, end-to-end packaged solution, the company said.

More than 50 industry-specific and general solutions have been rolled out, spanning sectors including finance, manufacturing, transportation, and logistics.

China Mobile is the world's largest telecommunications company by revenue. In March, the company reported operating revenue of 1.04 trillion yuan ($145.7 billion) for 2024, a year-on-year increase of 3.1 percent. It ranked 32nd on the Forbes Global 2000 list in 2025.

Telecom operators have a natural advantage in integrating these services, as they own and manage large-scale resources such as subsea cables, internet data centers, and computing hubs. This allows them to anchor cloud, AI, and IoT services directly on their networks and facilities, and deliver a single, end-to-end solution for businesses, China Mobile explained.

Speaking at the event, Li Naihao, general manager of China Mobile International UK, noted that China Mobile's total international transmission bandwidth has reached 145T, and more than 230 point-of-presence of information stations have been set up overseas.

China Mobile International is also one of the key investors in transcontinental submarine optical cables, including 2Africa – a 45,000-kilometer cable that circumnavigates the African coastline to interconnect Europe and the Middle East.

China Mobile International UK, which was incorporated in 2011, is a subsidiary of China Mobile International, the global services arm of China Mobile. The company has grown rapidly and is currently ranked as the top-performing subsidiary of China Mobile International worldwide in 2025, according to Li.

Xuanyuan Ming, manager of DICT solutions at China Mobile International UK, said what makes iSolutions mission-critical is that companies can access all of the services they need through a single provider, rather than juggling multiple vendors, a situation that often results in security gaps, poor compatibility, and higher operational costs.

Even though telecom operators may not deliver every specialized service by themselves directly, they can still provide packaged solutions through a single-entry point for companies because they have a large customer base and can attract a wide ecosystem of partners, he added.

One real-world example is a Europe-based smart port supported by a 5G private network and a cloud management platform, enabling thousands of devices – cranes, trucks, sensors, and drones – to connect and communicate securely in real time, said Xuanyuan.

The port has therefore implemented automated container recognition, remote control of port machinery, and drone-based inspections, he said.

Li said: “You can’t build a 5G network just for the purpose of having one – the real question is, what do you use it for? In China, we’ve already developed smart ports, smart mines, and smart factories. In fact, about 80 percent of smart ports in China are built by China Mobile. As a telecom operator, we not only provide 5G connectivity but also participate across the entire 5G value chain, enabling us to deliver fully integrated solutions. And now, we’re taking this capability overseas and putting it into practice internationally.”

Another example is an AI-powered video compliance solution developed for a European carmaker. iSolutions integrates AI-based visual processing with privacy protection tools to automatically blur or mask sensitive data in real time, ensuring compliance with regulations such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, Xuanyuan said.

Unlike standalone vendors, China Mobile not only owns the infrastructure needed for heavy workloads but also provides built-in compliance and security, with its facilities already certified to international standards, Xuanyuan noted.

The digital service package iSolutions also addresses everyday company needs with a suite of smart office tools that make workplaces more efficient and secure, where the portfolio includes applications such as audio transcription, meeting room booking, hot desk booking, and visitor management, Xuanyuan said.

Companies do not just get isolated applications, but solutions that tie directly into their own networks, ensuring both efficiency and compliance, Xuanyuan said. For example, the visitor management application, which typically runs on WeChat mini programs, can be integrated with a company’s existing access control system, where available.

Li said China Mobile firmly believes in an ecosystem built on cooperation and shared success.

“That is why the theme of the event is co-creation and win-win partnership,” he said. “It reflects the same philosophy that guides our global collaborations with our partners – building a shared, interconnected ecosystem. We are confident that together, we can seize the opportunities of the European market.”