The coastal city of Qingdao in east China's Shandong Province on Tuesday launched a bus line fully covered by 5G signals and wifi.
The next-generation mobile network is on Line 468, which links several popular tourist destinations, including the city's main beach and Zhongshan Park, along its 12-km route.
Passengers can either access the signals using 5G phones or log onto the 5G wifi via non-5G phones, according to the city's main bus operator, which launched the service together with telecommunication operator China Mobile and tech giant Huawei.
May Fourth Square in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. /VCG Photo
Reporters on board the 5G bus tour said there was barely any loading time when watching any section of a high-definition online video on the bus.
A spokesman with the bus company said they plan to open more 5G-covered bus routes in the future and use the speedy network to upgrade their bus operation to eventually realize self-driving buses.
Earlier this year, Chinese cities like Jinan in east China and southwestern Chongqing tested a self-driving bus assisted by the 5G network, offering a glimpse into the technology's future application in the transportation sector.
Read more: Live: Taking a real 5G bus
(Cover: Aerial view of Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. /VCG Photo)
Copyright © 2018 CGTN. Beijing ICP prepared NO.16065310-3
Copyright © 2018 CGTN. Beijing ICP prepared NO.16065310-3