Shanghai has achieved a major milestone by becoming China’s first mega-city to ensure comprehensive 5G coverage across its entire metro system. This advancement encompasses all 21 lines, spanning 896 kilometers and 517 stations.
The integration of 5G across the metro brings significant improvements to Shanghai’s transportation network. These enhancements include real-time operations, predictive maintenance, and smart urban transit. Equipped with over 83,000 5G base stations and 3.1 million IoT connections, Shanghai stands as a leader in China’s 5G expansion. Impressively, the city boasts downlink speeds above 600 Mbps, reaching peaks over 1 Gbps.
Shentong Metro Group reports that 80% of the metro lines now use 5G-Advanced technology. This enables predictive monitoring of train systems, allowing early detection of faults and disruptions. 5G-powered inspection robots now manage over 80% of system inspections, ensuring a remarkable 98% accuracy.
China’s 5G adoption is not limited to Shanghai, as indicated by Beijing’s rapid 5G deployment. By 2027, Beijing aims for complete 5G integration across industries, with 100% 5G penetration among users. A governmental plan outlines targets including 75% network traffic via 5G, and 45% adoption by industries.
The GSMA estimates that mobile technologies could contribute $2 trillion to China’s economy by 2030. The manufacturing sector is expected to drive 40% of this impact, highlighting the economic advantages 5G brings. Chinese operators are capitalizing on these benefits, deploying solutions utilizing AI alongside their 5G networks.
China’s fast embrace of 5G technology is exemplified by surpassing 1 billion 5G connections in 2024. Forecasts suggest 61% 5G adoption in China by 2025, and a rise to 88% by the decade’s end, according to GSMA.