Zong Wins International Award for Pakistan's First AI-Driven Autonomous Network Platform

Zong, the technology services company wholly owned by China Mobile, has won the Operational Excellence Leader award for Innovation at The Fast Mode Awards 2026. The recognition was given for its AI-driven Self-Intelligent RAN Optimization Platform, which the company describes as Pakistan's first deployment of Level 4 autonomous network operations on a live commercial network.

According to the company, the platform was developed entirely in-house and forms part of its broader AI Enablement strategy. It autonomously detects network congestion, carries out corrective actions, and validates the results through an intelligent closed-loop mechanism. Zong says the system replaces traditionally manual, multi-day optimization work with automated, AI-driven operations, improving operational agility and supporting more consistent network performance across the country.

This is the second international recognition Zong has received this year for AI-driven innovation. The company said the award highlights the strength of its local engineering capabilities and its position in network operations and technology innovation within Pakistan. It also noted that the platform moves AI beyond monitoring and recommendations into autonomous decision-making and execution.

Zong's Chief Technology Officer, Mao Weiliang, said the company views AI and advanced technologies as central to its technology leadership and the development of next-generation intelligent networks. He added that the home-grown platform demonstrates that world-class technology can be conceived, developed, and deployed in Pakistan, and described it as an important step toward fully autonomous, self-optimizing networks at scale.

Zong continues to invest in 5G, artificial intelligence, and next-generation digital solutions as part of its effort to improve network efficiency and customer experience. The company framed the award as further evidence of its ambition to support Pakistan's transition toward a more digital and intelligent future.

The recognition reflects a growing focus among Pakistani telecom operators on automation and AI to manage increasingly complex networks. For customers, such platforms are intended to translate into fewer disruptions and more reliable connectivity, though the practical impact will depend on how widely the technology is rolled out.