China is forging ahead into the future with its sweeping deployment of 5G-Advanced, or 5G-A, technology—a transformative upgrade over the current 5G networks. Renowned as 5.5G by some innovators, this next-gen technology promises a tenfold surge in internet speed compared to its predecessor. The implications are profound: enhanced capacity, speed, latency, and precision, which will redefine the digital landscape and user experience. Already, leading Chinese telecom titans such as China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are at the forefront of this revolutionary leap. Beijing alone now boasts over 1,500 operational 5G-A base stations, a considerable share of the more than 3,500 across the city. This only marks the beginning of a bold initiative that has 35 cities and regions across the country ushering in the 5G-A era.
Pioneering Networks for a Future-Ready Economy
As one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, China is backing the necessity for technological advancement with action. Experts, including Wu Hequan of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, predict that by 2024, the commercialization of 5G-A will be within reach. This vision encompasses mature operators, evolved industry chains, and standardized technology. This is a strategic shift focused not only on advancing the current 5G technology but also on fostering innovation in its application. With bandwidth-hungry and latency-sensitive applications such as extended reality (XR) and the internet of vehicles (IoV) emerging, the current 5G network falls short. 5G-A is designed to bridge this gap, providing the necessary support these futuristic applications demand.
The nationwide emphasis on the deployment of 5G-A underscores China’s intent to lead the global race in telecommunications. Officials like Zhao Zhiguo from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology harbor ambitions of fortifying China’s command in both 5G-A and quantum communications. Simultaneously, efforts are being channeled to breakthrough innovations in 6G and other strategic future technologies. Wen Ku of the China Communications Standards Association alludes to the crucial integration of 5G-A with artificial intelligence (AI), marking a gradual stride from the current “light intelligence” proffered by 5G to the envisaged “systematic intelligence” that 6G aims to achieve.
Realizing a 5G-Enhanced Society and Economy
The digital weave of society grows tighter with the rollout of 5G-A, heralding expansive changes beyond tech precincts. Huawei’s Senior VP, Cao Jibin, predicts that 5G-A technology will fulfill diverse necessities from personal to travel needs within 5 to 10 years, injecting immense economic value and interlacing the social and economic fabric into a singular digital framework.
5G-A’s growth is a priority for numerous agencies, including the Beijing Communications Administration, with Su Shaolin at the helm, committed to nurturing these networks. This involves a comprehensive plan to propel not just industry, but also urban management, public amenities, and rural development. Blending 5G-A with AI and IoT promises to transform sectors, offering unmatched productivity and ease. This push into 5G-A underscores China’s resolve to secure its place at the forefront of tech innovation and signals a bright and prosperous future underpinned by the potential of 6G.
