China’s 5G steps closer with Guangzhou field tests

Field tests of China's first 5G base stations are now underway in Guangzhou, marking a significant step towards the roll-out of the ultra-fast communications technology.

China’s first 5G base station starts field tests at Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center in Guangzhou. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

The 5G, or Fifth Generation, network will offer far greater capacity than the current 4G system, allowing a higher density of mobile broadband users, device-to-device communications, be ultra-reliable, and facilitate massive machine communications.  

China leads the world in 5G technology which is expected to generate revenue of USD 1.3 trillion globally by 2025, create 20 million jobs, and boost related industries such chips, equipment, materials, and software manufacturing to the tune of USD 6.5 trillion. 

The major port and transportation hub of Guangzhou, capital of China’s Guangdong province, is among the first cities to trial the latest technology.

Seven spots at the Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center are being fitted with base stations, including a stadium, library, canteen, teaching building, and laboratory building. Researchers will be assessing the system’s performance in a variety of business and commercial uses.

The Guangzhou Mega Center contains campuses from ten universities with a total capacity of 120 thousand students, along with a major science center.

According to China Mobile, the state-owned telecommunications giant, field tests will take place this year and next, with the system to be rolled out commercially after that.