China is marking significant milestones in its 5G development, witnessing remarkable progress since the issuance of its first batch of 5G licenses for commercial use. The emergence of 5G Advanced (5G-A) signifies a major leap forward, positioning the nation at the forefront of the transition from 5G to 6G technologies.
Analysts view 5G-A as a precursor to future 6G technologies, bridging current capabilities with the possibilities of tomorrow. While challenges persist in evolving from 5G to 6G, each technological breakthrough and innovation opens new avenues for industries and enhances the prospects of smart living.
As of April 2023, China had established nearly 3.75 million 5G base stations, averaging about 26 base stations per 10,000 people. The country’s essential 5G standard patent claims accounted for over 42% of the global total. 5G technology has been widely adopted in key industries such as mining, electricity, and healthcare, progressively moving from peripheral applications to core areas like research and development, design, and manufacturing.
China’s achievements in 5G infrastructure are notable. In April 2020, China Mobile established the world’s highest-altitude 5G base station at an altitude of 6,500 meters on Mount Qomolangma. By June 2020, China completed its first underground 5G network in Shanxi Province, setting a record as the world’s deepest underground 5G network.
In early 2023, China Mobile launched a commercial 5G-A network in Hangzhou, the capital city of east China’s Zhejiang Province, with plans to expand to over 300 cities nationwide. This expansion signifies China’s commitment to leading in next-generation network technologies.
Boosting Economic Growth
To date, 5G applications have been integrated into 71 out of 97 key economic sectors in China, with more than 94,000 5G commercialization projects launched. The country boasts over 800 million 5G mobile phone users, accounting for over 52% of the global total. China aims to build 10,000 5G factories during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025).
According to Zhao Zhiguo, chief engineer of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the commercialization of 5G has directly generated approximately 5.6 trillion yuan (about $773 billion) in economic output over the past years. Indirectly, 5G has driven 14 trillion yuan in economic output, highlighting its significant contribution to the country’s high-quality development.
“China has achieved global leadership in 5G network infrastructure, continuous breakthroughs in key core technologies, and remarkable results in the integration of digital and physical applications since the issuance of 5G commercial licenses,” Zhao said at a mobile communications forum, citing research from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology.
Looking ahead, the MIIT plans to deepen 5G network coverage, accelerate the expansion of 5G applications, and actively promote the modernization of the information and communication industry, Zhao added.
As China continues to advance its 5G capabilities, the nation is paving the way for the future of global communications technology, setting the stage for the eventual transition to 6G. These efforts not only boost economic growth but also transform industries and enhance daily life, reflecting China’s dynamic role in shaping the world’s technological landscape.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
