China saw robust growth of its information and communication technology (ICT) sector in the first quarter of 2026, as the country strengthened new-type information infrastructure construction, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) said Tuesday.

During this period, China has achieved notable progress in building its information and communication infrastructure, with stronger network capabilities, wider internet coverage, and better services, which has further consolidated the foundation for the country's digital and intelligent transformation, an official of the ministry said at a press conference.

"By the end of March, China had a total of 4.958 million 5G base stations nationwide, and 32.01 million 10G PON ports capable of providing gigabit network services. 10-gigabit optical network pilot projects have been rolled out in 168 residential compounds, factories, and industrial parks across 86 cities. 5G-A (5G-Advanced) service coverage has extended to 330 cities. Meanwhile, the Mobile Internet of Things (MIoT) is expanding rapidly, connecting 2.948 billion terminals," said Xie Cun, director of the MIIT's Information and Communications Development Department.

At the same time, China's digital industry is also gaining momentum, according to the ministry.

"The total volume of telecommunications services increased 8.3 percent year on year in the first quarter, 0.6 percentage points faster than the same period last year. The total revenues of the software and information technology service industry increased by 11.7 percent year on year in the January-February period, with its growth rate up 1.8 percentage points from the previous year," said Zhang Yunming, vice minister of industry and information technology.