ZTE and XLSMART Deepen Strategic Collaboration to Advance AI-Powered 5G and FWA in Indonesia

• The collaboration expands the ZTE–XLSMART partnership to accelerate AI-powered network innovation, strengthen 5G capabilities, and advance Fixed Wireless Access commercialization in Indonesia
• Building on their existing collaboration, the companies have demonstrated energy savings of more than 10% through an AI-powered network implementation while maintaining network performance and customer experience
• The partnership will accelerate FWA commercialization, develop new broadband opportunities, and help maximize the value of XLSMART’s 5G investments

Shanghai, China, July 28, 2026 – ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PT XLSMART Telecom Sejahtera Tbk (XLSMART) during MWC Shanghai 2026.

The agreement expands the companies’ strategic collaboration across artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), with a focus on building more intelligent network capabilities, improving operational efficiency, enhancing customer experience, and developing new broadband opportunities in Indonesia.

Following its formation through the merger of PT XL Axiata Tbk, PT Smartfren Telecom Tbk, and PT Smart Telecom, XLSMART manages an integrated nationwide network serving more than 69.4 million customers. As demand for high-quality digital services continues to grow, intelligent network automation will play an increasingly important role in optimizing resources, maintaining consistent service quality, and supporting the development of XLSMART’s 5G and broadband businesses.

Under the collaboration, XLSMART and ZTE will combine their respective expertise to accelerate innovation across AI-powered networks, 5G, and FWA. The partnership will support digital infrastructure development that addresses the evolving connectivity needs of consumers, enterprises, and Indonesia’s broader digital ecosystem.

Both companies will jointly develop end-to-end AI capabilities across the Radio Access Network, Transport Network, Core Network, and Network Operations. AI-powered automation and intelligent analytics will analyze network conditions, anticipate changes in traffic demand, and optimize network resources more dynamically.

This approach will help XLSMART simplify network operations, improve service agility, and respond more effectively to changes in traffic demand. For customers, smarter resource allocation can support reliable network performance and a more consistent digital experience, including during periods of high usage.

Building on the companies’ existing collaboration, an AI-powered network energy-efficiency implementation has demonstrated energy savings of more than 10% while maintaining network performance and customer experience. The result illustrates how intelligent network automation can support XLSMART’s sustainability ambitions through more efficient use of network, infrastructure, and energy resources without compromising service quality.

Both companies will continue assessing the implementation through measurable improvements in network performance, operational efficiency, energy efficiency, and customer experience.

At the same time, XLSMART and ZTE will continue strengthening the value of 5G by expanding network capabilities, enabling new digital services, and establishing a stronger foundation for the next generation of connectivity in Indonesia.

Building on these capabilities, the partnership will accelerate the commercialization and growth of FWA through network evolution and optimization, innovation in customer premises equipment and home connectivity, enhanced broadband experiences, market expansion, and the exploration of new commercial opportunities.

As a strategic extension of XLSMART’s 5G portfolio, FWA is expected to bring high-speed broadband connectivity to more homes and businesses, create additional growth opportunities, and help maximize the value of XLSMART’s 5G investments.

James Zhang, Senior Vice President of ZTE, stated, "Indonesia is one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic digital markets, with rapidly growing demand for intelligent connectivity and digital services. Through our collaboration with XLSMART, we are bringing together ZTE’s strengths in innovation, AI-powered networks, 5G, and FWA to build smarter, more efficient, and customer-centric networks. Together, we aim to accelerate digital innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and create new broadband opportunities that generate greater value for consumers, enterprises, and the broader digital ecosystem. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to empowering Indonesia’s digital future through next-generation connectivity."

The MoU supports XLSMART’s long-term strategy to build an intelligent, automated, and future-ready network. The company continues to expand its 5G Blanket coverage and develop FWA as an important growth engine, with plans to broaden 5G Blanket coverage across more cities and expand 5G FWA home services throughout 2026.

Rajeev Sethi, President Director of XLSMART, stated, "AI is becoming an increasingly important enabler of the future telecommunications industry. Through our collaboration with ZTE, XLSMART is strengthening its ability to build a more intelligent, automated, and efficient network while continuing to deliver reliable digital experiences for customers."

"The collaboration will also support the development of our 5G and FWA businesses, improve the efficient use of network and energy resources, and create new opportunities to serve Indonesian households and businesses. Together, we are building a stronger digital foundation to support Indonesia’s digital future," Rajeev added.

Going forward, both companies will explore additional use cases across AI-powered networking, 5G evolution, and FWA, focusing on measurable improvements in network performance, operational and energy efficiency, customer experience, and business growth.