China moves to expand 5G coverage in outlying border regions, inhabited offshore isles

China will move to expand its 5G mobile network access to all outlying border regions and inhabited offshore islands, and the 5G coverage will likely reach 100 percent by the end of 2025, according to a notice jointly issued by 13 Chinese government departments on Wednesday.

By the end of 2025, 5G and gigabit optical network access will be realized in counties and townships in all border areas, while broadband access (including access to optical fiber, 4G or 5G) to targeted regions such as inhabited islands will reach 100 percent, according to a notice issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and other central government departments on Wednesday.

High-speed mobile network coverage will also be realized along highways in border areas, while continental offshore areas will also have network coverage based on actual needs at the end of 2025. The goal will be further elevated by 2027. Overall 5G coverage for border areas should reach more than 95 percent.

The notice proposed a range of measures for achieving the set goals. For instance, the regional broadband networks on inhabited islands will be upgraded, with a further exploration of communication means such as submarine cables, satellites and microwaves to strengthen network connection and coverage between islands and the mainland.

The implemental plan will cover specific areas in nine border provinces and autonomous regions, as well as 11 coastal provinces and municipalities that have offshore inhabited isles.

Meanwhile, the digital development in border areas will be further strengthened by promoting the digital services for local institutions and enabling digital transformation for rural-based industries.

Chinese authorities have been taking concrete measures to bolster the development and expansion of its cellular networks. Earlier in January, 11 central departments including the MIIT announced to carry out a specific operation to upgrade the nation's mobile signal coverage.

The MIIT said that China will significantly improve the signal of its mobile communication networks including 4G and 5G, extending to more than 80,000 locations, along 25,000 kilometers of railways, 350,000 kilometers of expressways and 150 metro lines at the end of 2024.