As of today, 1st November 2019, 5G network service is rolled out in 50 major cities in China by the three giants of telecommunication carriers, namely China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom.
The infrastructure has been well prepared for the 5G network to be widely implemented. Around 12,000 5G base stations have been activated to support the coverage in Shanghai alone. It is estimated that 600,000 base stations will be in place worldwide for 5G networks next year in which half would be in China. The Chinese government also subsidises this new technology. Consumers can get a 5G plan that offers ultra-fast internet services for as low as 128 RMB (approx. 16 EUR) for 30GB of data.
Pete Linforth on Pixabay
What is 5G and why is it better? 5G is the 5th generation cellular network technology. Huawei is on top of other developers on the 5G technology in competing to develop and implement 5G. To many internet users, 5G internet means faster speed in both download and upload activities, wider coverage of signals and more stable connections. Consumers can enjoy high quality videos in less time and more reliable live map and so forth. Other than mobile and smartphone users, 5G technology can also be applied in driverless autos, internet of things, traffic monitoring systems, or even drones. Qualcomm considers 5G to have the speed 10 to 20 times faster than 4G connection. The world will become more simultaneous than before.
While the US is attacking Huawei products and services, the European approach on 5G internet, Huawei products and cybersecurity concerns has interested many. Huawei said that they have signed over 50 commercial contracts on 5G internet so far and the 6G technology is on the way. The US said that European countries should totally ban Huawei products. The approach taken by the EU officials is being discreet. A total ban has never been issued in the EU, but safety and security evaluations must be performed before contracting any products or services from Huawei. Such evaluations shall be construed in a way that suits the European policies and standards instead of any other command.
Attention should also go for other companies trying to develop 5G technologies at the same time. The competition has not stopped. Therefore, the EU might have some potential room to choose in its own preference on 5G in the future.
Global Connect Admin B.V. | Xuan Hao
