How Beijing is Spearheading Global 5.5G Network Innovation
The global appetite for rapid and dependable wireless connectivity is intensifying, steering the tech sector towards new innovations in connectivity solutions. This growing demand is largely being met by frontrunners like China Unicom, which boasts a massive user base of over 320 million and an extensive fiber-optic network.
Simultaneously, Huawei has positioned itself as a leading authority in 5G technologies through significant investments in research and development, ensuring their cutting-edge status in network infrastructure.
Recently, a landmark cooperation between these tech giants has led to the rollout of what they describe as the world's inaugural large-scale integrated 5.5G-Advanced intelligent network. This development marks a significant leap from previous technologies, improving global connectivity standards.
5.5G-Advanced, often referred to as 5.5G, substantially upgrades over the original 5G framework by boosting network capabilities by ten times, achieving peak speeds that reach up to 10 gigabits per second. This advancement not only enhances download speeds but also facilitates a range of new applications and services. These include extended reality experiences, autonomous vehicle networks, and more sophisticated smart city infrastructure.
Deploying 5.5G in Beijing’s unique landscape
Choosing Beijing as the setting for this advanced network is no random decision. Known for its dense population, mix of old and modern buildings, and its situation as a political and economic hub, Beijing offers unique challenges and opportunities for deploying cutting-edge technology.
- Enhanced network performance boosting network efficiency, speed and coverage
- Support for new applications by enabling advanced use cases including XR, industrial IoT and smart agriculture
- AI and machine learning integration to optimise network operations, enhance energy efficiency and improve resource management
- Expanded industrial use cases such as manufacturing and logistics
- Sustainability focus with energy-saving features
This network’s rollout not only showcases China's technological flair but also tests the network's robustness in a complex urban setting. Focusing on real-world applications, China Unicom and Huawei aim to address specific user challenges while demonstrating how 5.5G technology can transform everyday user experiences.
For instance, the network promises seamless connectivity for vast numbers of users at venues like the Workers' Stadium and even in sprawling historic sites like the Great Wall, where coverage extends both on land and in the air, enhancing visitor experiences and operational logistics.
The broad aims and impact of 5.5G network
This groundbreaking network is set to drastically improve user experiences throughout Beijing by delivering unparalleled data transmission speeds and comprehensive coverage. The debut event, labelled "5G Capital on the Way – Lighting Up Beijing with 5G-Advanced," highlighted significant installations like the smart commercial complex at the Workers' Stadium and a high-speed network covering the Great Wall scenic area.
Yang Lifan, Deputy General Manager at China Unicom Beijing, emphasised that "Only by providing 10-gigabit network capabilities can we guarantee a gigabit experience for all users.” He further noted, “This time, we’ve built a large-scale integrated 5G-Advanced intelligent network to bring a better experience to all China Unicom users across Beijing."
This network is also anticipated to drive substantial economic benefits and innovation across various sectors by supporting applications like ultra-high-definition video streaming and cloud gaming, appealing to a vast array of industries from tourism to emergency services.
Embracing automation and intelligent optimisation
In striving for efficiency and performance, China Unicom Beijing has integrated AI-driven automation into its operations. This technology not only shortens setup times dramatically—from days to mere minutes—but also reduces the need for human intervention, thus enhancing cybersecurity.
Li Jie, President of Huawei's 5G & LTE TDD Domain, commented, “As the 5G Capital project enters its fifth year, I am honoured that Huawei’s new 5G-AA solutions have helped China Unicom Beijing maintain its global leadership in 5G-Advanced network construction.”
Explore the latest edition of Mobile Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Tech & AI LIVE and Cloud & 5G LIVE.
Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.
Mobile Magazine is a BizClik brand
