Chinese telecom companies upbeat ahead of 5G roll-out

Leading Chinese telecom companies are forging the way into the 5G era with 5G data terminals and smart phones expected to launch this year.

A 5G sign is seen during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain February 28, 2018. [Photo: VCG]

Huawei Honor Business Unit President Zhao Ming says it won't take long before 5G products are released.

"The release of our 5G products will wait for telecoms carriers to announce their commercial network and verification standards for 5G terminals."

ZTE is testing the technology with mobile carrier China Unicom in Shenzhen.

Company vice president Cui Li is optimistic about the application of the technology.

"We keep accelerating the commercial use of 5G terminals including smart phones. Some indoor and outdoor customer-premises equipment (CPE), which allow multi-access of terminals and also multi-access products. I can say a diverse 5G application will surely lead to various 5G terminals."

It's estimated that when the technology is put into commercial use in 2020, the 5G economy will generate billions of dollars in revenue.