5G-A technology is seen as a key upgrade to the 5G network in terms of both functionality and coverage
China will boost efforts to commercially launch 5G-Advanced (5G-A) technologies, which will enable a wide range of applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in many sectors and will also pave the way for future 6G systems, Chinese officials and company executives said during different sessions at last week’s Mobile World Congress Shanghai.
2024 marks the commercial launch of 5G-A technology, which is seen as a key upgrade to the 5G network in terms of both functionality and coverage.
During his speech at the opening ceremony of Mobile World Congress Shanghai, Zhao Zhiguo, chief engineer of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, stressed the importance of 5G-A as it will deepen the integration of current 5G technology with new-generation information technologies, especially AI.
The official also highlighted the need to leverage 5G to empower emerging industries such as intelligent connected vehicles and the low-altitude economy. The deployment of integrated sensing and passive internet of things technologies is essential for scenarios involving ubiquitous connectivity and high-end manufacturing, the official added.
During his speech Zhao also called for more efforts to accelerate the research and development of future 6G systems, in terms of standard and industry development.
According to the latest available data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China had a total of 3.83 million 5G base stations as of the end of May, accounting for 60% of the global total. Also, more than half of mobile users in China are already using 5G services.
Meanwhile, China has achieved over 94,000 5G application cases in industries such as manufacturing, mining, power, ports and healthcare, according to the ministry.
During the event, Chen Zhongyue, chairman of China Unicom, emphasized the importance of building a smart computing network, advancing the next-generation integrated intelligent sensing and computing internet as well as maximizing computing power value.
“We aim to introduce AI tools that are both technologically advanced and user friendly, providing intelligent services that resonate with human values,” Chen said.
Meanwhile, Yang Jie, chairman of China Mobile, highlighted the potential of AI said the operators aims to integrate expertise from various fields to launch AI intelligent systems in a number of sectors including healthcare, education and entertainment.
He went on to say that China Mobile will also work to develop AI solutions for industries like manufacturing, energy and transportation.
Also, Wang Tao, executive director of Chinese vendor Huawei, said more than 60 telecom operators and partners globally have announced their intention to start launching 5G-A.
The Huawei executive said that 5G-A protects existing investments in the 5G field while creates new business opportunities.
Huawei launched what it claimed to be the world’s first “5.5G” intelligent core network during an event at MWC 2024 Barcelona in February. 5.5G is the company’s brand name for advancements in areas like integrated sensing and communication, Level 4 autonomous driving, “all-scenario IoT” concepts and green ICT. The vendor also claimed that 5.5G will lead to a 10-Gbps experience for users, enabling immersive and interactive services.
