Beijing is at the forefront of technological innovation with the deployment of the world’s first large-scale 5G-Advanced intelligent network. This groundbreaking initiative, a collaboration between China Unicom Beijing and Huawei, aims to revolutionize connectivity and set new benchmarks for 5G technology globally. The network encompasses a range of advanced features and technologies, supporting various high-frequency and low-frequency integrated facilities across Beijing.
Large-Scale 5G-Advanced Deployment
Comprehensive Network Coverage
China Unicom Beijing and Huawei have successfully constructed an ultra-large-scale commercial 5G-Advanced network. This three-component carrier (3CC) network covers numerous facilities including stadiums, schools, scenic spots, metro stations, business districts, and residential areas. The network ensures full 5G coverage and delivers 85% 5G-Advanced coverage within Beijing’s 4th Ring Road and the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center. The extensive coverage is designed to support a wide variety of use cases, from high-density urban environments to popular public spaces, ensuring that the vast majority of the city’s residents and visitors can access high-speed, reliable 5G services.
This deployment creates a robust technological backbone that facilitates advanced applications and services across the city. The network’s comprehensive coverage in crucial areas ensures that both everyday and mission-critical operations benefit from improved connectivity. As a result, citizens experience enhanced digital interactions, businesses leverage more efficient communication channels, and various sectors see significant improvements in operational efficiency and service delivery. This large-scale implementation also serves as a model for other cities considering similar advancements in their telecommunications infrastructure.
Technological Advancements at Workers’ Stadium
The Workers’ Stadium exemplifies the world-leading integrated 5G-Advanced network deployed by China Unicom Beijing, Sinobo, GTVerse, and Huawei. The technology implementation inside and outside the stadium supports an extensive frequency range. Field tests at the stadium recorded a downlink peak rate of 11.2 Gbps and an uplink peak rate of 4 Gbps, facilitating simultaneous, smooth streaming for up to 68,000 people. This capability is particularly crucial during large events where high data demand can strain conventional networks, ensuring that attendees enjoy uninterrupted connectivity for streaming, social media, and other digital services.
The advanced technology deployment at Workers’ Stadium illustrates the practical applications of the 5G-Advanced network in high-capacity venues. This initiative not only enhances the fan experience by providing seamless connectivity but also paves the way for innovative applications such as real-time analytics, augmented reality experiences, and enhanced security measures. The success of this deployment demonstrates the network’s ability to handle peak loads efficiently, setting a new standard for connectivity in large event spaces and highlighting the potential for similar advancements in other high-density public arenas worldwide.
Enhanced User Experience
Immersive Media and Cloud Gaming
The new 5G-Advanced network significantly improves the user experience by supporting immersive video content, UHD live streaming, and cloud gaming. This high-speed, reliable connectivity allows users to enjoy seamless, high-quality media experiences, transforming how they interact with digital content. With the ability to deliver breathtaking graphics and low-latency responses, cloud gaming becomes more accessible and enjoyable, catering to both casual gamers and esports enthusiasts who demand the best performance.
Immersive media experiences are further enriched by the network’s capabilities, providing users with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) content that feels more lifelike and engaging. These advancements open up new possibilities for entertainment, education, and professional training, allowing users to immerse themselves in digital worlds and interact with environments in unprecedented ways. The superior connectivity also supports creative industries, enabling real-time collaboration and content creation, thereby driving innovation and expanding the horizons of digital media consumption.
Renovation of Old Phone Booths
In an innovative move, old phone booths connected to the 5G-Advanced 3CC network have been renovated to provide navigation, ride-hailing, and emergency services via one-click access. This modernization effort not only preserves historical infrastructure but also integrates it into the cutting-edge 5G network, enhancing public convenience and safety. By repurposing these once-obsolete structures, the city breathes new life into its urban landscape while offering practical and modern services that cater to a tech-savvy population.
These renovated phone booths serve as nodal points for a smart city ecosystem, offering connectivity and essential services to residents and visitors alike. The integration of advanced 5G technology into these booths enables swift and reliable access to navigation assistance, public transportation options, and emergency contacts, greatly enhancing the efficiency of urban mobility and safety. This innovative application showcases the versatility of the 5G-Advanced network, demonstrating how historical elements can be seamlessly integrated with state-of-the-art technology to address contemporary needs and improve overall quality of life.
Development of Low-Altitude Economic Innovation
Seamless Coverage at Great Wall Scenic Area
At the Great Wall scenic area, the 10-gigabit 5G-Advanced network provides seamless coverage both at ground level and in low-altitude airspace up to 300 meters. This integrated spectrum usage ensures reliable and high-quality connectivity, fostering advancements in tourism, logistics, emergency responses, and scenic area protection. Visitors to the Great Wall can now experience enhanced digital engagements, such as AR-guided tours, while enjoying uninterrupted connectivity to share their experiences in real time.
The seamless connectivity also supports logistical improvements, enabling efficient management of tourist flows and maintenance activities. The ability to provide reliable communication in low-altitude airspace is particularly beneficial for drone operations, which can assist in monitoring and protecting the scenic area. This advanced network infrastructure promotes sustainable tourism practices while enhancing visitor safety and satisfaction, showcasing the potential of 5G technology to drive economic development and environmental conservation through innovative applications.
Economic and Safety Benefits
The enhanced connectivity and new applications supported by the network promote economic development, particularly in the low-altitude economy. The network’s capabilities improve public safety and service efficiency, offering significant benefits to both commercial and public sectors. By facilitating advanced logistics and transportation services, the 5G-Advanced network drives economic growth and enhances the efficiency of goods and services delivery, providing a competitive edge to businesses operating in the region.
Public safety is significantly bolstered through improved communication channels, rapid emergency response capabilities, and real-time monitoring enabled by the network. These advancements ensure that authorities can effectively manage and respond to incidents, safeguarding the well-being of residents and visitors. The network’s ability to support diverse applications, from tourism to emergency services, underscores its versatility and its role in fostering a more interconnected and secure urban environment. This holistic approach to integrating advanced connectivity into various aspects of city life paves the way for sustainable and resilient economic growth.
End-to-End Automation and AI-Driven Optimization
Intelligent Operations Platform
China Unicom Beijing employs a 5G intelligent operations platform that supports end-to-end self-provisioning processes and AI-powered automatic optimization of 5G-Advanced base stations. This reduces provisioning times from days to minutes and diminishes cyber security risks, showcasing the efficiency and security of the network. The intelligent operations platform ensures that the network can quickly adapt to changing demands and conditions, maintaining optimal performance without manual intervention.
The platform’s self-provisioning capabilities allow for rapid deployment and scaling of network resources, ensuring that connectivity can be seamlessly extended to new areas or enhanced where demand is high. This agility is crucial in a dynamic urban environment where connectivity needs can fluctuate rapidly. Moreover, the AI-powered optimization continuously analyzes network performance and user data to identify improvement opportunities, driving iterative enhancements that maintain the high standards of service quality and reliability expected from a cutting-edge 5G network.
AI-Powered Network Optimization
Automated optimization based on user service data drives iterative improvements in network performance and service quality. This AI-driven approach ensures that the network continuously adapts to user needs, providing a superior and reliable connectivity experience. By leveraging advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques, the network can anticipate and address potential issues before they impact users, ensuring seamless and uninterrupted connectivity.
The AI-powered optimization also enhances the network’s ability to handle peak loads and distribute resources effectively, maximizing efficiency and performance. This proactive approach to network management reduces downtime and maintenance costs, providing a more resilient and cost-effective infrastructure. As user demands evolve and new applications emerge, the AI-driven optimization ensures that the network remains at the forefront of technological advancements, capable of supporting the latest innovations and delivering exceptional user experiences.
Strategic Collaboration and Future Implications
Pioneering Network Infrastructure
The collaborative project between China Unicom Beijing and Huawei reflects a trend towards developing pioneering 5G network infrastructures that are scalable, integrated, and capable of handling high-demand use cases. This partnership sets a high benchmark for future deployments globally and demonstrates the potential of strategic collaborations in driving technological innovation and expanding the capabilities of telecommunications networks. The successful implementation of this large-scale network showcases the benefits of combining expertise and resources to achieve groundbreaking results.
The project’s success also highlights the importance of forward-thinking infrastructure development that can support the evolving needs of urban populations. By establishing a robust and versatile network foundation, the collaborative effort ensures that Beijing remains at the cutting edge of technological advancements. This scalable and integrated approach serves as a model for other cities and regions aiming to enhance their connectivity capabilities and leverage 5G technology to drive economic growth, improve public services, and foster innovation.
Innovative Use Cases and Applications
Beijing is leading the way in technological innovation by launching the world’s first large-scale 5G-Advanced intelligent network. This initiative is a groundbreaking collaboration between China Unicom Beijing and Huawei, aiming to transform connectivity standards and establish new global benchmarks for 5G technology. The advanced network boasts a wide range of state-of-the-art features and technologies, supporting both high-frequency and low-frequency integrated facilities throughout Beijing. This deployment represents a significant milestone, not only for China but on a global scale, demonstrating the potential of 5G to enhance various industries and everyday life.
The advanced 5G network promises to bring faster internet speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections, which are crucial for the future of smart cities, autonomous vehicles, telemedicine, and other emerging technologies. Furthermore, it serves as a testbed for new applications and services that can take advantage of the increased bandwidth and improved performance. By investing in such cutting-edge infrastructure, Beijing is positioning itself at the forefront of global technological advancements, potentially reshaping the landscape of modern connectivity.