Four Days in Shanghai and a Look at the Future of Telecom
Our CEO, Wilhelm Pfeifer, recently joined the China Telecom Europe 2026 Carrier Partners Event in Shanghai, together with nearly 40 representatives from more than 20 international operators. The programme focused on international connectivity, cross-border data, cloud-network convergence and the growing role of AI in telecommunications.
The visit offered a close look at how these technologies are moving from strategy into real-world infrastructure.
From cross-border data to intelligent networks
One of the key stops was Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area, where the group explored the Dishui Cloud Hall, international data infrastructure and the Cross-Border Data Flow Service Center.
Lin-gang is becoming an important testing ground for international data connectivity. Its Cross-Border Data Flow Service Center helps companies navigate data-transfer requirements and has provided policy consultations to more than 300 businesses since its launch in 2024.
For international enterprises, this development is particularly relevant. Connectivity between China and global markets increasingly involves not only bandwidth and latency, but data governance, infrastructure design and compliance.
AI is moving closer to the network
Further visits to the Shanghai Telecom Info Space and China Telecom Institute of Artificial Intelligence demonstrated applications across IoT, smart infrastructure, cloud-network convergence and large language models. China Telecom Europe positioned these technologies as part of a broader shift toward intelligent connectivity and future carrier services.
The takeaway for AAA is clear. Carrier services are developing beyond traditional connectivity. AI, cloud infrastructure, edge computing and cross-border data services are becoming increasingly interconnected.
Turning insight into customer opportunities
For AAA Sales & Management, events like this provide valuable insight into where international carrier services are heading and which new options may become relevant for our customers.
Our role remains the same. We assess technologies, providers and connectivity models independently and identify the solutions that fit each customer's technical and commercial requirements.
A big thank you to China Telecom Europe and the entire team behind the event for four highly informative days in Shanghai.
We look forward to turning these insights into new opportunities for our customers and partners.
