China Unicom has launched its ambitious 5G-Advanced Action Plan, setting the stage for a significant expansion of next-generation mobile connectivity across the nation. The announcement, made at the Powering the Asian Winter Games with 10 Gbps Connectivity Press Conference in Harbin, underscores the carrier’s commitment to delivering enhanced network experiences and driving digital transformation across industries. This initiative coincides with Thailand’s emergence as a frontrunner in 5G adoption within the Asia-Pacific region, showcasing the region’s dynamic advancements in telecommunications.
China Unicom, the official communications and cloud service partner for the 9th Asian Winter Games, aims to roll out 5G-Advanced services in the central districts of 39 major cities and key locations within over 300 cities by the close of 2025. This extensive deployment will be facilitated by the launch of two key programs: the 5G-Advanced Xinghuo Program, focusing on industry-specific applications, and the 5G-Advanced Baichuan Program, designed to promote AI-driven applications. Further strengthening the ecosystem, China Unicom will spearhead the formation of a device ecosystem alliance, fostering collaboration with upstream and downstream partners to accelerate the development of the 5G-Advanced industry. Currently, China Unicom operates a vast network of over 2 million shared 5G base stations, representing more than 40% of the global total, serving an impressive 290 million users.
“China Unicom is leveraging 5G-Advanced and F5G-Advanced technologies to provide high-speed, intelligent, and secure 10 Gbps communications services for the Asian Winter Games,” stated Wang Limin, Deputy General Manager of China Unicom. “Building upon the newly released action plan, China Unicom will collaborate with diverse partners to cultivate the 5G-Advanced industry ecosystem and contribute significantly to a digital China.”
Echoing this sentiment, Cao Ming, Vice President of Huawei and President of Huawei Wireless Solutions, emphasized the transformative potential of integrating 5G-Advanced with AI in the burgeoning mobile AI era. “The convergence of 5G-Advanced and AI will revolutionize traditional mobile businesses, creating immense opportunities and shaping new experiences, applications, and services,” said Ming. Huawei is committed to innovation in both “Networks for AI,” optimizing spectrum resources and enhancing network performance, and “AI for Networks,” utilizing digital sites and wireless AI agents to empower carriers in building Level 4 Autonomous Networks characterized by superior quality and efficiency. “Huawei and China Unicom will collaborate and innovate to drive the advancement of 5G-Advanced and AI,” Ming affirmed.
China Unicom’s role as the official partner of the 9th Asian Winter Games showcases its dedication to providing cutting-edge network solutions. A dedicated team of 1,000 network assurance professionals is supporting the event, ensuring high-speed, stable, and reliable networks. The deployment of 10 Gbps 5G-Advanced networks at key venues guarantees seamless connectivity for athletes, staff, and attendees. This advanced infrastructure also elevates broadcast services, enabling innovative features such as multi-channel HD live streaming, on-demand HD videos, and VR broadcasting.
While China pushes the boundaries of 5G-Advanced, Thailand has emerged as a regional leader in 5G adoption, accelerating industry digitalization and fueling the growth of its digital economy. With the anticipated arrival of 5.5G, Thailand is poised for further transformation. The 2024 partnership between AIS, China Unicom, and Huawei to establish Southeast Asia’s first 5G-fully connected Midea Factory exemplifies this progress. The implementation of a dedicated 5G network has streamlined production processes, resulting in a 15% to 20% increase in operational efficiency.
5.5G technology promises to redefine connectivity, offering ultra-fast download speeds reaching 10 Gbps and upload speeds of at least 500 Mbps, delivering an unparalleled user experience. Its ultra-low latency of 1ms ensures exceptional performance for real-time applications. AI-driven network management further optimizes efficiency and performance. These advancements will pave the way for a wide array of innovative services, including enhanced IoT applications, immersive experiences like advanced vehicle-to-everything communication, and AI-powered solutions.
As Thailand progresses towards its goal of becoming the ASEAN Digital Hub, connectivity innovation remains paramount. Advanced 5G and the emerging 5.5G technologies are not merely about faster network speeds; they are unlocking transformative potential across diverse sectors, from smart manufacturing and intelligent healthcare to AI-driven urban development. Continued investment in next-generation connectivity will be essential for fostering economic resilience, empowering businesses, and enhancing the quality of life for millions. This forward-thinking approach to telecommunications infrastructure positions Thailand as a key player in the region’s digital landscape and sets a compelling example for other nations striving to harness the power of advanced connectivity. The synergy between China’s ambitious 5G-Advanced rollout and Thailand’s proactive adoption of next-generation technologies underscores the dynamic evolution of the telecommunications landscape in Asia and its profound impact on economies and societies.
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