Beijing Ushers in the 5G-Advanced Era: A Revolution in Connectivity and Digital Experiences

China Unicom Beijing and Huawei Transform the Capital with the World’s First Large-Scale Integrated 5G-Advanced Intelligent Network

Introduction: Lighting Up Beijing with 5G-Advanced

Beijing has officially entered a new era of digital innovation with the launch of the world’s first large-scale integrated 5G-Advanced intelligent network, spearheaded by China Unicom Beijing and Huawei. Themed “5G Capital on the Way — Lighting Up Beijing with 5G-Advanced,” this initiative sets a benchmark for connectivity, delivering ultra-high-speed networks and intelligent infrastructure that transform urban living and enable cutting-edge applications for over 10 million residents.

With full 5G-A coverage, unmatched speeds, and advanced capabilities, this groundbreaking network not only supports the city’s digital economy but also positions Beijing as a global hub for innovation and smart city solutions.

Pioneering Network Innovation in the Digital Era

China Unicom Beijing and Huawei have collaborated to build a three component carrier (3CC) network, setting new standards in connectivity:

• Full 5G-A Coverage: The network encompasses stadiums, metro stations, shopping malls, schools, scenic areas, and residential neighborhoods.
• 85% 5G-Advanced Coverage: Focused on high-demand areas within Beijing’s 4th Ring Road and the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center.
• Record-Breaking Speeds: Field tests demonstrate peak downlink rates of 11.2 Gbps and uplink rates of 4 Gbps, with real-world applications achieving 9 Gbps on mobile devices.

At the Workers’ Stadium, the system supports ultra-high-speed connectivity for over 68,000 attendees, enabling simultaneous UHD live streaming and immersive gaming even in the busiest scenarios.

According to Mr. Yang Lifan, Deputy General Manager of China Unicom Beijing:

“Large bandwidth quickly improves user experience. Only by providing 10-gigabit network capabilities can we guarantee a gigabit experience for all users.”

This infrastructure lays the foundation for future applications, including virtual reality (VR), extended reality (XR), and real-time AI-enhanced services.

Transforming Everyday Life with Intelligent Connectivity

The 5G-Advanced network isn’t just about high speeds; it fundamentally changes how citizens interact with their urban environment. Key benefits include:

• Smart City Infrastructure: Renovated phone booths now feature one-click navigation, ride-hailing services, and emergency call capabilities, revolutionizing accessibility and safety.
• Enhanced Digital Services: From seamless 4Kstreaming and cloud gaming to IoT-integrated smart devices, the network supports a wide range of applications that elevate user experiences.
• Connectivity for All Scenarios: Schools, commercial complexes, residential zones, and scenic areas enjoy robust and reliable connectivity, making Beijing a leader in inclusive smart city design.

Using end-to-end AI-driven self-provisioning, the network achieves unprecedented efficiency. Deployment times are reduced from days to minutes, minimizing manual intervention and bolstering cybersecurity.

Leading the Low-Altitude Economy

A standout feature of the network is its role in advancing Beijing’s low-altitude economy, particularly at the Great Wall scenic area. This initiative includes the deployment of 10-gigabit 5G-Advanced base stations, offering uninterrupted coverage for:

• Smart Tourism: Enabling immersive AR/VR-guided tours and real-time navigation for visitors.
• Logistics and Delivery: Supporting reliable low-altitude drone operations for goods delivery and emergency supply chains.
• Emergency Response: Facilitating enhanced communication for rescue missions and disaster management.
• Environmental Protection: Using IoT sensors to monitor and safeguard scenic areas.

This pioneering approach at the Great Wall not only enhances the visitor experience but also supports sustainable economic growth by fostering tourism and innovative industries.

Mr. Li Jie, President of Huawei’s 5G&LTE TDD Domain, emphasized:

“Huawei’s 5G-Advanced solutions have solidified China Unicom Beijing’s leadership in the global 5G network race. Together, we are building inclusive, high-quality networks that open new opportunities in the AI-driven era.”

Redefining Entertainment and the Metaverse

In partnership with GTVerse, the 5G-Advanced network brings next-generation metaverse experiences to life, particularly at the Workers’ Stadium:

• Immersive Metaverse Experiences: The Gongti Metaverse (GTVerse) project leverages XR and cloud computing to provide real-time 12K live video streams, redefining how audiences engage with sports and cultural events.
• Hypermedia Streaming: With real-time shallow compression technology, thousands of users can enjoy 4K video streaming simultaneously, even during high-traffic scenarios.
• Smart Commerce Integration: Visitors benefit from secure digital payments, indoor navigation, and AI-powered interactions, blurring the lines between digital and physical experiences.

These innovations not only enhance user engagement but also position Beijing as a global trailblazer in metaverse-integrated infrastructure, unlocking vast opportunities in entertainment, commerce, and tourism.

The Path Ahead for 5G-Advanced in Beijing

The deployment at the Workers’ Stadium and Great Wall scenic area serves as a replicable model for other urban hubs. Plans are already underway to expand these innovations to more stadiums, commercial centers, and metro networks, enabling:

• Broader adoption of 5G-Advanced technologies.
• Continued development of low-latency, high-reliability applications.
• Enhanced capabilities for IoT, AI, and XR-powered ecosystems.

By integrating AI-driven optimization and cloud-edge collaboration, Huawei and China Unicom Beijing are laying the groundwork for a fully digitalized urban ecosystem.

Conclusion: A New Standard for Urban Digitalisation

China Unicom Beijing and Huawei’s large-scale 5G-Advanced intelligent network has set a global benchmark in connectivity, smart city innovation, and digital experiences. From empowering Beijing’s citizens with advanced applications to boosting economic growth through low-altitude innovations and the metaverse, this project represents the future of urban living.

As Beijing evolves into a global digital hub, China Unicom Beijing and Huawei’s leadership in 5G-Advanced innovation ensures the city remains at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This network is not just about connectivity-it’s about transforming lives, empowering industries, and driving a greener, smarter, and more inclusive future.

Originally published at https://kenovy.com on December 27, 2024.