China Builds World-leading All-scenario Communication Network to Empower Digital Economy

China has accelerated the construction of next-generation information and communication infrastructure, forming a comprehensive digital development foundation for socio-economic intelligent transformation. The country has achieved full gigabit network coverage across all counties and full 5G coverage in all townships, with 100 per cent broadband access and over 95 per cent 5G coverage in administrative villages. Border management and trade institutions have realised full 4G and 5G network coverage. Large-scale network coverage has been completed at 269,000 key public sites, while continuous signal coverage has been realised along 654,000 kilometres of highway and railway routes and 316 urban subway lines.

The emerging next-generation communication system represents an integrated spatial, terrestrial and marine network that deeply combines communication, sensing, computing and intelligent technologies. Unlike traditional single-function transmission networks, it features ubiquitous coverage, ultra-low latency and ultra-high bandwidth, supporting both daily public communication and customised industrial connectivity for smart manufacturing, low-altitude economy and intelligent vehicle networks.

The systematic infrastructure integrates multiple technical frameworks, including large-scale commercial 5G, upgraded 5G-A, experimental 6G networks, ten-gigabit optical broadband, low-orbit satellite internet, dedicated computing networks and industrial private networks. It functions as a core digital backbone similar to power grids and transportation networks, underpinning the growth of new quality productive forces and the artificial intelligence industry.

China has established the world’s largest and most technologically advanced communication infrastructure system. Official data shows the country had 4.958 million 5G base stations and 32.01 million 10G PON ports with gigabit service capabilities by the end of March. Ten-gigabit optical network pilot projects have been deployed in 168 communities, industrial parks and zones across 86 cities, while 5G-A services have covered 330 cities nationwide.

Industrial innovation continues to advance steadily. China holds more than 40 per cent of global standard essential patents for 5G and actively leads the formulation of international 6G standards. Domestic research has completed the first phase of 6G technical trials and accumulated over 300 core technologies, with the second phase of trials officially launched this year. The iteration from 5G to 5G-A and 6G follows a steady and progressive development roadmap.

The upgraded network capacity enables diverse high-value industrial scenarios. Ultra-low latency and high-precision connectivity supports intelligent factory automation, remote medical diagnosis and surgical guidance, low-altitude flight supervision and vehicle-road coordination systems. It accelerates the in-depth integration of digital technology and the real economy, driving the intelligent upgrading of traditional industries.

Driven by artificial intelligence development, domestic token calling volume has exceeded 140 trillion per day, reflecting surging demand for high-performance data transmission. Communication infrastructure providers are cooperating with domestic operators to optimise network capabilities in large-scale downlink, uplink and universal connectivity, exploring differentiated service mechanisms to adapt to evolving AI application needs.

The industry is shifting from scale-oriented expansion to value-oriented high-quality development. Future construction will focus on precise investment, shared infrastructure and scenario-based innovation. Optimised 5G and 5G-A applications will unlock immediate industrial value, while continuous 6G research will secure long-term global technological competitiveness, forming a sustainable development model for the digital economy.