China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has announced the successful rollout of the world’s most extensive and advanced 5G network. With a total of 3.19 million 5G base stations deployed by the end of September, this achievement is expected to bolster the foundation for China’s continuous expansion in the digital economy.
According to Zhang Yunming, a vice minister from the MIIT, the number of 5G smartphone users in the country has now exceeded 737 million, representing 42.8 percent of all domestic mobile phone users. Furthermore, more than 20,000 5G-enabled industrial virtual private networks were established by the end of the previous month.
Zhang emphasized that China has achieved a significant technological breakthrough in the realm of 5G, establishing a comprehensive industrial ecosystem encompassing 5G networks, chips, devices, terminals, and related industries.
Zhang also highlighted that China has played an active role in shaping global 5G standards and has amassed 42 percent of the world’s essential patents for 5G technology as of the end of September.
The ministry plans to expedite the integration of 5G technology in various sectors such as manufacturing, mining, electric power, and ports management. Additionally, they aim to explore new application possibilities in areas such as healthcare and education. Currently, 5G technology has been implemented in 67 out of the 97 key sectors of the country’s economy.
Just recently, Southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region has successfully established 5G network coverage across all towns following the activation of a 5G base station in Gogmo Township of Ngari Prefecture.
According to Omdia research, China is on track to add over 600,000 5G base stations and reach 2.9 million by the end of this year. Currently, China installed some 2.38 million 5G base stations over four years leading up to February, according to government figures.
Moreover, according to China Mobile’s Annual Economy Report, 5G will overtake 4G as the dominant mobile technology in China by 2024. 5G adoption continues to rise as network deployments expand and more affordable devices become available.