The Chinese mainland's three major telecom operators – China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom – have fully integrated the open-source DeepSeek AI model, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). By applying the DeepSeek-R1 model across various scenarios and products, these operators are offering customized computing power solutions and supporting environments tailored to their needs.
AI is a driving force behind innovation in telecom services. During the 2025 Spring Festival, these telecom operators leveraged AI alongside 5G, cloud platforms, and big data to expand application scenarios and enhance their AI service offerings. For instance, AI and 5G technologies were utilized to boost digital capabilities, providing billions of precise location services for smart vehicle navigation during the holiday season.
Additionally, the operators offered AI-powered voice inspection services to enhance fraud detection for financial institutions and developed cloud computing solutions to enable efficient remote work, as stated by MIIT. These advancements not only improve service quality but also contribute to economic resilience and consumer satisfaction.
Beyond consumer services, AI and big data were employed to support government services. China Unicom conducted real-time monitoring of Spring Festival travel flows and scenic spots, provided dynamic analysis of key infrastructure, and analyzed holiday consumption trends to assess post-holiday economic recovery. These efforts highlight the pivotal role of AI in enhancing both commercial and public sector operations.
Reference(s):
China's major telecom operators fully integrate DeepSeek AI model
cgtn.com
