Connectivity has reached new heights in the Chinese mainland, where 5G mobile phone subscriptions soared past 1.15 billion as of August, according to data released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the Chinese mainland (MIIT). That means nearly two-thirds (63.4 percent) of all mobile users are now on 5G networks, supported by 4.646 million 5G base stations (36.3 percent of the total).
Beyond raw numbers, 5G now powers 86 major sectors—from manufacturing floors to healthcare clinics—and supports more than 18,500 5G-plus industrial internet projects. Zhong Zhihong, chief engineer at the MIIT, notes that 5G is driving the manufacturing sector's smart and green transformation. He adds that new industries, business formats and business models under the AI plus initiative have generated a combined value exceeding 24 trillion yuan (about $3.37 trillion).
Looking ahead, the Chinese mainland plans to strengthen its digital infrastructure with gigabit networks and pilot deployments of 5G-Advanced and 10-gigabit optical networks. This push will supercharge connectivity for entrepreneurs, digital nomads and remote workers, unlocking new opportunities in immersive travel, cloud gaming, telemedicine and more.
Co-construction and network sharing are also transforming how infrastructure is built. The world's largest shared 5G network now features over 1.5 million base stations, ensuring continuous coverage at the township level and above. Zhang Jingtao, head of the co-construction and sharing work group at China Telecom, highlights that network sharing has saved over 380 billion yuan in investment and cut annual carbon emissions by more than 13 million tonnes.
For young global citizens and tech enthusiasts, these milestones illustrate how 5G adoption in the Chinese mainland is reshaping industries, boosting sustainability and fueling digital innovation. As the region pushes beyond connectivity to smart, green solutions, the world will feel the ripple effects across markets, policies and everyday life.
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Number of 5G mobile phone users in China surpasses 1.15 billion
cgtn.com
