China plays a leading role in future of 5G

The number of 5G users will hit 2.8 billion and 5G networks will cover 65 percent of the global population by 2025, according to an Ericsson report, with China contributing thanks to its huge mobile user base and consumers willing to spend on 5G. 

The global number of 5G subscriptions is expected to top 190 million by the end of this year. In 2025, 5G networks will contribute about US$1.5 trillion to the digital economy, according to the Ericsson Mobility Report. 

 “The spread of COVID-19 has prompted people all over the world to change their daily lives and, in many cases, work or study from home. This has led to a rapid shift of network traffic from business to residential areas,” the report said.

Almost 60 percent Chinese users are willing to pay for 5G services, covering new mobile applications such as video communication among family members, online conferences for companies and online classes. Chinese consumers have shown a “strong willingness” for 5G services, said Zhao Juntao, president of Ericsson China.

Europe’s biggest telecommunications equipment vendor is “well prepared for” the next-phase 5G orders in China, Zhao said.

The company is speeding up establishing an ecosystem in China with local partners including Oppo and Quectel.