As the year 2023 concluded, the global 5G landscape achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 1.6 billion subscriptions. This remarkable growth was fueled by 300 operators launching commercial 5G networks across 114 countries and regions. The deployment of 5G base stations worldwide reached a staggering 4.81 million, with a year-over-year increase of 1.17 million.
Simultaneously, the evolution of technology and the escalating demand for value-driven scenarios are propelling 5G development into the advanced phase, opening up new frontiers for its potential value.
ZTE is strategically focusing on delivering value in three key domains of 5G-Advanced: B2C (consumer-oriented), B2B (business-oriented), and B2X (society-oriented), thereby enhancing digital experiences and driving economic growth.
In the B2C arena, ZTE’s 5G-Advanced solution played a pivotal role in the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou in 2023. The solution provided the industry’s largest bandwidth and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) for comprehensive signal coverage, facilitating multiple 8K live-video broadcasts, XR, and glass-free 3D services. With a peak downlink rate of 25Gbps, it enabled seamless internet access for up to 100,000 users simultaneously. Notably, the introduction of 5G-Advanced technology allowed for real-time “bullet time” playback, enhancing the audience’s viewing experience and aiding referees in making more accurate judgments.
In the B2B sector, ZTE’s ultra-reliable 5G solution catalyzed the digital transformation of Wuhan Iron and Steel Corporation (WISCO). This marked the world’s largest 5G private network deployment, incorporating 25 steel applications across intelligent logistics, production control, digital equipment management, energy and environmental control, quality control, and safety management. The outcome included a 19% efficiency increase, a 23% reduction in labor costs, a 10% decrease in energy consumption, and an annual reduction of 750,000 tons of carbon emissions.
In the B2X realm, 5G-Advanced technologies break communication boundaries, as seen in the smart transportation initiatives of Suzhou. The city implemented the industry’s first 5G-based vehicle-road-cloud integrated V2X network, fostering autonomous driving and enhancing traffic intelligence. This innovative solution leverages existing 5G networks, resulting in a 24% reduction in deployment costs compared to traditional methods.
The advent of 5G-Advanced technologies signifies a momentous leap in communication technology, transcending mere speed and connectivity improvements. It represents a paradigm shift in the way people live, work, and play, providing a glimpse into a future world powered by intelligent connectivity.
In recent accolades, WISCO, China Unicom, and ZTE received recognition at the GLOMO Awards 2024 for “Best Mobile Innovation for Connected Economy.” ZTE also garnered multiple awards at the GTI Awards 2024 for its innovative solutions, further solidifying its position as a leader in the evolving landscape of communication technology.
