China launches world’s largest 5G network at USD 18 per month

Chinese mobile operators have offered 5G services to the country’s consumers as the world’s largest market officially made the network available on November 1 at USD 18 per month.

The fifth-generation of mobile internet connectivity (5G) promises much faster data download and upload speeds, wider coverage and more stable connections, RT reports.

China Telecom, China Unicom and China Mobile all unveiled 5G plans that start at around 128 yuan or USD 18 per month, but experts warned that the price could still be too high to drive wide-scale adoption, CNBC writes.

Initially, Chinese carriers were looking to begin the 5G rollout in 2020, but the time frame moved forward.

5G commercial services are now available in 50 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, CNN reports, citing Chinese state news agency Xinhua.

In Shanghai, nearly 12,000 5G base stations have been activated to support 5G coverage across the city's key outdoor areas.

CNN reminds that other countries including the United States and South Korea launched 5G services in select areas earlier this year. But China's commercial network is the biggest, according to Bernstein Research, giving the county more influence over the technology's global evolution.

China Mobile

China Telecom

China Unicom

Bernstein research

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