China to deploy next-generation optical networks in advance: MIIT

China will advance the evolution of 5G-A (5G-Advanced) technology and the research and development of 6G, while deploying next-generation optical networks in advance, said the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) on Friday.

The 5G-A technology marks an important stage in the evolution from 5G to 6G. Compared to traditional 5G, 5G-A promises a tenfold increase in network capacity, boasting such advantages as higher speeds, larger connectivity and lower latency.

The ministry said it will steadily expand the coverage of 5G and the gigabit optical network to more premises, including places of culture and tourism, medical institutions, universities, transportation hubs and subways.

It will also issue policies to accelerate the development and application of "dual-gigabit" internet, which refers to 5G network plus gigabit optical network, while pushing for the deep integration of 5G technology with other industries, including speeding up the construction of 5G factories and building an upgraded version of 5G plus industrial internet.

"We will coordinate efforts to promote the evolution of 5G-A technology, and the research, development and innovation of 6G while deploying the ultra-high-speed optical fiber transmission technology and next-generation optical networks in advance," said Zhao Zhiguo, the ministry's chief engineer, at a press conference in Beijing on Friday.

"We will also orderly advance the piloting for opening-up of the value-added telecom service sector," Zhao said.

The MIIT data showed that to date, 5G applications have been integrated into 74 out of the 97 key economic categories in the country, with 30,000 virtual private networks in the 5G industry and 300 5G factories built up and over 13,000 5G+ industrial internet projects launched.