China flexes its technological prowess by surpassing a significant milestone in the realm of 5G technology.
As of the end of November 2024, the number of 5G mobile subscribers in China has exceeded 1 billion, accounting for 56 percent of the total mobile users in the country. This achievement underscores China’s rapid advancement in the popularization and application of 5G technology, reflecting both the robust construction of its communications infrastructure and the high level of consumer acceptance.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) reported that China’s total number of mobile subscribers stood at 1.79 billion at the end of November.
Wang Peng, an associate research fellow at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, claims that surpassing 1 billion 5G subscribers is a testament to China’s leading position and strong momentum in the global 5G field.
According to Peng, this rapid growth not only signifies technological progress but also promises to drive digital transformation and industrial upgrading, injecting new momentum into the country’s economic and social development.
To put this achievement into perspective, according to a recent report by the South China Morning Post, China built a whopping 600,000 5G base stations in the last three months as it raced to achieve its target of three million before the end of the year. In sharp contrast, the US built 100,000 base stations between 2019 and 2021.
China’s 5G technology is revolutionizing various industries, including manufacturing and healthcare. For instance, 5G-enabled smart factories are becoming more common, allowing for real-time monitoring and automation of production processes. This not only increases efficiency but also reduces costs and enhances product quality.
The development of smart cities is another area where China’s 5G technology is making a significant impact. Cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai are leveraging 5G to enhance urban management, improve traffic flow, and provide better public services. The integration of 5G with IoT devices enables real-time data collection and analysis, leading to more informed decision-making and improved quality of life for residents.
In addition, the consumer market in China has embraced 5G technology with enthusiasm. Companies like Huawei and Xiaomi have been at the forefront of producing affordable 5G smartphones, making the technology accessible to a broader audience. This widespread adoption is reflected in the fact that 5G mobile phone shipments accounted for nearly 83% of the total mobile phone shipments in China in 2023.
By the end of November, China had deployed 4.191 million 5G base stations, a significant increase from the previous year. This extensive network infrastructure is crucial for supporting the growing number of 5G users and ensuring seamless connectivity. Additionally, the number of fixed broadband subscribers reported by China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom reached 670 million, with gigabit broadband users accounting for 31.2 percent of the total.
The financial impact of this technological advancement is also noteworthy. In the first 11 months of 2024, the telecommunications sector generated a cumulative revenue of 1.59 trillion yuan (USD 217.85 billion), marking a 2.6 percent year-on-year growth. Emerging businesses such as IPTV, internet data centers, big data, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things contributed significantly to this revenue, highlighting the diverse applications and economic potential of 5G technology.