China’s 5G network continues its rapid expansion, reaching nearly 3.92 million base stations by the end of June, according to data released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Tuesday.
This figure marks a net increase of 540,000 5G base stations since the end of last year, now accounting for 33 percent of all mobile base stations nationwide. The swift growth reflects China’s commitment to advancing its telecommunications infrastructure and embracing next-generation technology.
The number of 5G mobile subscribers has also surged, increasing by 105 million since the end of last year. As of the end of June, 927 million people are subscribed to 5G services, representing 52.4 percent of the total mobile subscribers across China’s major telecommunication enterprises—China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom—and China Broadnet. The total number of mobile subscribers with these companies reached nearly 1.78 billion.
China’s 5G network now blankets every city and town, extending coverage to over 90 percent of its villages. Since issuing its first batch of 5G licenses for commercial use five years ago, the technology has been integrated into various sectors, including industry, power, mining, healthcare, and education, with large-scale promotion and application.
The nation has established 300 5G factories and initiated over 13,000 projects for the application of “5G plus industrial internet,” showcasing the extensive industrial integration of 5G technology.
The Ministry reported last month that 5G commercialization has directly generated a total economic output of approximately 5.6 trillion yuan (about $785 billion) over the past five years. The substantial economic impact underscores the significant role of 5G technology in driving China’s economic growth.
Looking ahead, China plans to continue advancing 5G development and expanding network coverage. Focus areas include cultural and tourism sites, healthcare facilities, universities, transportation hubs, and subway systems, aiming to enhance connectivity and support various sectors with advanced telecommunications infrastructure.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
