China has emerged as a leader in the AI token economy, with three major telecom operators launching token-based AI plans, according to a report by GSMA Intelligence.
China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom are packaging AI services similarly to traditional mobile data plans, allowing customers to purchase AI usage through token-based bundles. Pricing varies across customer segments.
Speaking during MWC Shanghai 2026, Pablo Iacopino, head of Research and Commercial Content at GSMA, said AI tokens connect rising demand for AI services with operators’ investments in AI infrastructure.
“AI tokens create a link between the huge demand for artificial intelligence and the AI infrastructure investments by Chinese operators. This is really a good example. And I think a lot of operators in other countries will also target the AI token economy.”
Capitalising a supereconomy
Iacopino said China’s economic scale and technology leadership position the country as a key market for AI innovation.
Over 40% of the global financial market and over 70% of the IT market are in China, with enterprise AI accelerating rapidly.
“This means that the technology leadership makes China a very important hub for innovation, investment, and growth in the mobile AI ecosystem,” Iacopino added.
He highlighted that China’s strategic position offers significant opportunities for digital innovation, industry leadership, and broader digital transformation.
He said China’s position creates opportunities for digital innovation, technology leadership, industry partnerships and broader digital transformation. However, he cautioned that regulatory uncertainties, talent shortages, and ecosystem coordination remain challenges that could impact sustainable growth in China’s AI token economy.
