China reaches 5G construction target for 2020
China will continue building up its 5G network, even after reaching its annual construction target well ahead of schedule. The next-generation mobile communication standard is expected to boost innovation and stimulate the digital economy, officials said on Wednesday.
China has built 600,000 5G base stations nationwide, enough to realize its full-year construction target for 2020. Provinces such as Guangdong, Shandong and Liaoning have already exceeded their annual targets.
China is expected to reach the 5G "import phase" within the next three years. This means 5G will "import" innovation, economic opportunities and jobs into China, Wen Ku, a senior official with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, told an industry conference in Beijing.
The country will also promote projects and infrastructure related to AI, Internet data centers and improved Internet service levels, Wen added.
News of the continued expansion comes as more 5G devices are set to enter the market, including Apple's upcoming 5G iPhone, which was announced on Tuesday. Startup brand Realme has also announced an affordable model, the Q2i, with a price tag of just 998 yuan (US$148), set to drop on November 11.
