China’s 5G journey has reached a significant milestone: five years of commercial use. To commemorate this achievement, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology hosted a forum highlighting the country’s dominance in the 5G landscape.
Leading the 5G Charge:
China boasts the world’s largest 5G network with a staggering 3.7 million base stations and over 889 million users. This impressive infrastructure positions China as a frontrunner in the global race towards next-generation connectivity.
Looking Ahead: The Rise of 5G-A
The forum wasn’t just about celebrating the past; it also cast a vision for the future. A key takeaway was the emphasis on 5G-A (also known as 5.5G) as the next evolutionary step in mobile communication. Huawei’s Cao Jibin highlighted the potential of 5G-A to significantly enhance network capabilities, particularly in terms of speed, latency, and positioning accuracy.
Driving Innovation for Emerging Technologies:
The shift towards 5G-A is driven by the ever-growing demand for faster and more reliable connections. These advancements are crucial for supporting cutting-edge technologies like AI assistants and massive data processing. 5G-A promises a tenfold increase in bandwidth and latency, alongside sub-meter perception and centimeter-level positioning capabilities.
Powering the AI Future:
Cao Jibin anticipates a surge in computing power requirements, especially for AI applications. He proposes a bold approach: integrating computing, storage, and networking to transform data centers into powerful AI supercomputers. While acknowledging limitations in chip manufacturing, he sees potential for optimizing network infrastructure through collaboration across various sectors.
Unlocking the Full Potential of 5G-A:
The forum concluded with a call for industry-wide collaboration to fully unlock the potential of 5G-A. This includes supportive policies, continuous innovation, and fostering partnerships throughout the technology chain.
A Trillion-Dollar Opportunity:
The ultimate goal is achieving “full connectivity” across various scenarios. This vision has the potential to create a trillion-dollar industry through applications in smart factories, connected cars, and the low-altitude economy. China’s 5G program, with its impressive achievements and ambitious goals, appears well-positioned for the future. Only time will tell how the next few years will shape this technological landscape, but one thing is clear: China is at the forefront of the 5G revolution.
