The evolution of mobile communication has always been a game-changer. From the 3G era, which brought faster speeds, to 4G, which transformed daily life, and now 5G, which is set to reshape society as a whole. Even though 5G commercialization is still two years away, the race for its dominance has already begun in full force across the industry.
At the China Mobile Global Partner Conference held from November 23 to 26, 5G-related technologies and products were at the center of attention. Behind the buzz, there’s intense competition—whether it's over standards, spectrum allocation, base stations, RF technology, mid-tier network construction, chip development, or terminal design. The players involved in 5G are no longer the same as those in the 4G era. This is an all-encompassing industry opportunity that every business is eager to seize.
Ding Haijun, director of the Institute of Wireless and Terminal Technology at China Mobile Research Institute, emphasized that 5G is a revolutionary communication technology that will integrate with artificial intelligence and big data, ushering in the era of the Internet of Everything. Zhang Zhiwei, CMO of Ericsson, also highlighted that 5G will trigger a new technological revolution, with real-world applications being a key focus. For example, smart sensors on cows can boost farm income, and intelligent taxi dispatch systems can significantly improve efficiency.
According to a report by IHS, 5G is compared to historical innovations like the printing press, electricity, steam engines, and telegraphs. It has the potential to redefine workflows and reshape economic competitive landscapes. The report predicts that by 2035, 5G will generate $12.3 trillion in global economic output—equivalent to total consumer spending in the U.S. in 2016—and create 22 million jobs worldwide, with China expected to lead with 9.5 million positions.
As 5G inches closer, operators, chipmakers, and device manufacturers are accelerating their efforts. According to 3GPP, the 5G R16 standard is expected to be finalized in Q2 2018, but global operators have already started deploying 5G ahead of schedule. In the U.S., major carriers are racing to secure 5G licenses, while Japan’s top three operators plan to invest 5 trillion yen (about 300 billion yuan) in 5G, launching services by 2020. In China, pre-commercial 5G work has already begun, with China Mobile successfully testing the first end-to-end 5G system based on 3GPP standards with Qualcomm and ZTE.
Qualcomm announced that 5G terminals will launch in 2018, with full commercialization in 2019. Its X50 modem achieved gigabit speeds in the 28GHz millimeter wave band, signaling a major step forward. Intel also made progress, announcing a complete 5G connection using its 5G modem, with 5G smartphones expected in mid-2019.
Network upgrades are also underway. Companies like ZTE, Huawei, Ericsson, and Nokia are introducing Pre5G solutions, applying some 5G technologies to 4G networks to enhance performance and prepare for a smoother transition when 5G becomes available.
China has built the world’s largest 5G trial network in Huairou, Beijing, with 30 base stations from six manufacturers. Testing has shown peak rates of up to 20G, sub-millisecond latency, and one million connections per square kilometer.
With the current pace, China is expected to complete 5G R&D testing by mid-2019 and move into product development. Commercial deployment is likely around 2020, positioning Chinese manufacturers as key players in the global 5G landscape.
While China was once a follower in mobile tech, 5G offers a historic chance to take the lead. However, competition with global giants remains inevitable. At the recent 3GPP RAN1 meeting, Wanshi Chen of Qualcomm was elected as the new chairman, with Huawei’s Brian Claessens also in the running. This reflects the growing influence of Chinese companies in shaping 5G standards.
Despite the rivalry, 5G is not just about competition—it’s also about collaboration. Partnerships between companies like Intel and ZTE, or Nokia and Intel, show how the industry is working together to unlock 5G’s full potential.
As 5G continues to evolve, it’s clear that this is more than just a technological leap—it’s a transformation that will impact every sector of society. With the right strategies, cooperation, and innovation, the future of 5G looks brighter than ever.
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