China accelerates next-generation communication networks to stay ahead of digital demand
Over the next five years, China plans to accelerate the development of communication infrastructure capable of staying ahead of growing demand from the digital economy. The strategy goes beyond expanding 5G to include 10-gigabit networks, satellite internet, advanced computing capacity and preparations for 6G technologies.
China will work to deploy next-generation communication networks ahead of market demand, Vice Minister of Industry and Information Technology Yu Xiaohui said Wednesday at the annual PT Expo in Beijing.
The effort is in line with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's recently released development plan for the information and communications industry during the 15th Five-Year Plan period from 2026 to 2030.
According to the plan, by 2030 China is expected to have a fully established next-generation communication network with comprehensive coverage and advanced capabilities. 5G penetration is targeted to reach 95 percent, gigabit broadband is expected to connect 320 million households, and intelligent computing capacity is projected to reach 9,800 EFLOPS.
"We will systematically promote the development of application-oriented and forward-looking next-generation communication networks, guide broadband networks toward dual 10-gigabit evolution, and advance the construction of low-Earth-orbit satellite internet systems," Yu said.
He added that China will comprehensively optimize communication networks connecting terrestrial and maritime facilities, expand computing capacity, and strengthen the integration and interconnection of computing networks and resources to better support the country's integrated computing network.
The infrastructure push comes amid rapid advances in digital intelligence technologies, including artificial intelligence, which are creating new opportunities for the information and communications sector.
Official data show that more than 5.15 million 5G base stations had been deployed across China by the end of July. Initial deployment of 10-gigabit optical networks is already underway, while intelligent computing capacity has reached 2,185 EFLOPS.
The development plan also calls for deeper integration of terrestrial and satellite networks, including commercial applications enabling direct smartphone-to-satellite connectivity and the Internet of Things. China will intensify research and development of 6G base stations and advance standards in key information and communications fields, including computing networks and quantum communications.
This year's PT Expo is being held in Beijing from Tuesday through Thursday. As reported by CCTV+, the event highlights China's planned evolution of communication infrastructure during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, spanning expanded 5G and optical networks to satellite communications, computing capacity and 6G technologies.
