China is taking bold steps to elevate its technological capabilities with plans to upgrade its 5G network to 5G-A, according to the National Data Bureau’s newly released draft guidelines. The move highlights China’s ambition to stay ahead in global digital innovation while laying the groundwork for 6G research and development.

Strengthening Infrastructure and Global Connectivity

The guidelines emphasize balancing the deployment of international communication gateways across the country’s eastern, central, and western regions. This includes expanding submarine and land cable information networks and creating a satellite internet system that integrates space and ground facilities for enhanced connectivity.

China is also prioritizing secure and cost-effective data flows to support advanced technologies such as blockchain and privacy-preserving computing. These innovations aim to facilitate efficient data management for a wide array of applications, from smart cities to IoT ecosystems.

5G-A: Next-Level Network Performance

The 5G-A upgrade promises exceptional improvements, with peak download speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second and ultra-low latency at millisecond levels. Designed for energy efficiency and IoT scalability, the new standard is a leap forward in network technology.

Focus on Green and Intelligent Computing

Sustainability is a core element of the plan, with a focus on optimizing computing resources and promoting green computing practices. China aims to enhance network coordination by integrating general-purpose, intelligent, and supercomputing capabilities.

Implementation in Major Cities

Cities like Beijing and Shanghai have already rolled out 5G-A services in certain areas, providing early access to this transformative technology. These developments mark a significant step toward China’s broader goal of leading global advancements in communication and data infrastructure.