Chinese telecom operators have successfully deployed 5G networks across all cities and towns, as reported by local news service Xinhua. This major achievement is coupled with the notable 90% coverage of villages, based on data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
The extensive network utilizes 3.84 million 5G base stations, accounting for over 60% of the global total. Since the introduction of commercial 5G licenses five years ago, 5G technology has permeated industries such as power, mining, healthcare, and education. Moreover, China has built 300 5G factories and launched over 13,000 5G industrial application projects.
Transitioning into the future, China plans to further expand 5G network coverage into cultural sites, healthcare facilities, universities, transportation hubs, and subway systems. This ongoing expansion reflects China’s ambition to enhance wide-scale 5G technology utilization.
The launch of 5G-Advanced (5G-A) this year signifies another leap forward. This advanced technology aims to synchronize 5G with AI across sectors, paving the way for 6G. During the recent Mobile World Congress Shanghai, Zhao Zhiguo, MIIT’s chief engineer, declared that 5G-A would integrate existing 5G technologies with new-generation technologies like AI. He emphasized the importance of leveraging 5G for innovative industries such as intelligent vehicles and the low-altitude economy.
China Mobile, an industry leader in 5G-A technology, plans to deploy this technology in 300 cities this year. The telecom giant plans to introduce more than 20 5G-A compatible phones and has established demonstration halls to showcase the capabilities of the new network.
In sum, China’s expansive coverage and ongoing advancements position it as a global leader in the 5G arena. This relentless pursuit of technological integration fosters a future where connectivity becomes ubiquitous, empowering a wide range of industries and applications.
