5G Technology: China at the forefront to build 5G communication network

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The future is counting on "5G technology", and now, it's a global race to build this communication network, with China at the forefront. CGTN's Frances Kuo reports.

"5G" – what many are betting is the next step in wireless technology. How will it be a step up from the current 4G? The goal is to provide significantly faster wireless connection, not just for computers and phones. Everyday objects from dog collars to home appliances connecting to the web.

So could driverless cars according to Telecom giant Huawei.

TONG WEN CHIEF SCIENTIST, 5G RESEARCH AND DEVT, HUAWEI "We have done plenty of experiments on connected cars and have cooperated with automakers on plenty of projects, including autonomous driving and 5G-assisted autonomous driving. We have been working with many of the top auto manufacturers at home and abroad in this regard."

Huawei is among the Chinese firms working on 5G. It completed the second phase of a 5G technical performance last year, with a large-scale test in the next few months.

The ultimate goal - starting construction on the network in 2019. But any snags will have to be worked out along the way.

WANG ZHIQIN VP, CHINA ACADEMY OF INFORMATION & COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY "Each industry requires a solution, and the solutions for different industries will be quite different, depending on operating and business models. Certain legal and policy environments will also be necessary."

According to research company CCS Insight, China is expected to lead the 5G technology pack, ahead of major players including the U.S., South Korea and Japan.

Research suggests that by 2023, there will be one billion users of 5G half of them in China. FRANCES KUO, CGTN.