China rolls out 5G licenses amid trade war with the US | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

China rolls out 5G licenses amid trade war with the US

Beijing | BySutirtho Patranobis
Jun 06, 2019 02:51 PM IST

As of now, South Korea is said to be the only country to have adopted the new technology on a large scale.

China on Thursday issued 5G commercial licenses to four top state-owned companies, marking the first step to adopt a technology that’s set to revolutionise the country’s digital economy amid an escalating trade war with the US.

China on Thursday issued 5G commercial licenses to four top state-owned companies.(HT Photo)
China on Thursday issued 5G commercial licenses to four top state-owned companies.(HT Photo)

The ministry of industry and information technology (MIIT) handed out the licenses to three telecom giants – China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom – and China Broadcasting Networking Corporation, the largest cable company in the country.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

As of now, South Korea is said to be the only country to have adopted the new technology on a large scale.

“The high-speed 5G technology is expected to revolutionise the tech world as it will be able to transmit data at least 10 times faster than the 4G system,” Chinese state media reported.

The China Academy of Information and Communications Technology says the new technology is expected to generate 10.6 trillion yuan (about $ 1.54 trillion) worth of economic output and over 3 million jobs between 2020 and 2025.

Also read: Dutch teen traumatised by rape refused food, died, but was not euthanised: Minister

The new technology is expected to spur growth in multiple sectors like smart cities, automated cars.

Miao Wei, MIIT minister, was quoted by state media as saying that China welcomes foreign companies to actively participate in the construction of China’s 5G market and share benefits generated by technological progress.

“The 5G licensing will be a significant boost for the domestic economy, as it will drive the transformation and upgrading of the real economy, promote the 5G application in various fields including manufacturing and agriculture and boost digital economic growth,” state-controlled China Daily newspaper quoted Wang Zhiqin, head of the IMT2020 (5G) Promotion Group, a team established by the ministry to accelerate the development of 5G in China, as saying.

“Issuing a license for China Broadcasting Network Corp, a new 5G carrier will help build a next-generation communication network,” Wang said, adding: “Granting four 5G licenses is conducive to fostering rational competition and investment in the market.”

Also read: ‘Not here for decoration’: Thai transgender MPs make history in parliament

Telecom equipment maker Huawei Technologies – under severe scrutiny in the US for security reasons -- said in a statement on Thursday it is ready to help China accelerate the commercial use of 5G.

“Huawei’s global pioneering capabilities to offer 5G solutions can support Chinese telecom carriers build a sound network. China will lead the world in commercialising superfast wireless technology,” the company said.

ZTE Corp, another Chinese telecom company, said its products are ready for commercial use and it will actively participate in the commercial deployment and construction of 5G networks in China.

“China is set to become the world’s largest 5G market by 2025, with 460 million users,” according to a forecast by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association, an industry group.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On