China to explore more 5G use scenarios, as 5G smartphone users reach 676 million

China will explore more use scenarios for 5G technology in a wide range of sectors including industry, mineral mining and ports operation, with more than 3,000 enterprises expected to build 5G-wired factories in 2023, said a senior government official.

Zhao Zhiguo, chief engineer of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), said that the country will accelerate research and development (R&D) of the next-generation 6G technology.

By the end of June, a total of 2.93 million 5G base stations have been put into services in China, with the number of 5G smartphone users reaching 676 million and the connected Internet of things (IoT) devices hitting 2.12 billion, according to the MIIT.

5G has been applied in 60 major economic categories in China and is expanding to sectors including manufacturing, medical treatment, education and transport. The amount of use scenarios has reached over 50,000 types, Zhao said.

Zhao pointed to efforts to boost the development of 5G network and application as well as accelerate 6G R&D so as to build solid foundation for developing China into a manufacturing and internet power as well as contribute to the building of digital China.

While comprehensively enhancing 5G network quality, the authorities will continue to expand 5G coverage in major scenarios in urban areas as well as rural regions. In addition, efforts will also be made to promote 5G RedCap's development to further reduce costs and increase application scale, according to Zhao.

The MIIT supports institutions and enterprises to make breakthroughs in 5G R18 base stations and new types of 5G terminals to support new 5G-enabled new services, he said. "The government agency will continue to promote 6G technology R&D, conduct technological tests and deepen exchanges and cooperation to accelerate the development of 6G," he said.