China will issue 'temporary' 5G licenses this year

China will issue “temporary” 5G licenses this year to boost the development of the next-generation mobile communications technology, which is expected to stimulate the economy and bring big changes to daily life.

The temporary 5G licenses will be given out in several cities this year, and consumers will be able to use the first batch of 5G smartphones and tablet computers in the second half of 2019, Miao Wei, the Minister of Industry and Information Technology, told CCTV.

It’s the first time China's top industry regulator has clarified the 5G industry timeline, especially the debut of 5G phones.

5G offers ultra speed for consumers and much greater efficiency for network operators, 20 to 50 times faster than current 4G networks, and higher download speeds. Low latency, another feature of 5G, offers key rapid response functions of AI applications, including robots in manufacturing plants and smart automotive. 

Overseas operators in South Korea, the United States and Europe kicked off commercial 5G services in December, and more are scheduled to debut in the first half.

In Shanghai, China Mobile has opened a 5G and eSports center at its headquarters. 

The technology will be widely used to support industrial, automotive and other sectors besides telecommunications, including Internet of Things applications such as smart and connected cars, the minister said.