Chongqing - A significant global digital divide still exists in the era of rapidly advancing 5G technology. According to data from Internet World Stats, as of June 30, 2022, there were 5.39 billion internet users worldwide, with an internet penetration rate of 67.9%, including 43.2% in Africa and 67.0% in Asia. Nearly 3 billion still lack internet access.

There is a perspective that the future of telecom technology is expected to shift from enhancing network speed, as seen in the 3G to 5G eras, to expanding coverage, potentially through satellite technology.

Xia Yong, Chairman of China Mobile Group Chongqing Co Ltd and a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress aims to integrate network technology with satellite communications to enhance coverage. Chongqing's terrain, which Xia represents, serves as an ideal testing ground for this initiative.

Xia Yong, Chairman of China Mobile Group Chongqing Co Ltd and a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, plans to propose strengthening the "5G+Beidou" application. (Photo/Chen Yingzhu)

Chongqing, characterized by its mountainous terrain and numerous underground tunnels, particularly near the People's Liberation Monument, features about 7.5 kilometers of complex underground loop roads. This complexity often leads to the failure of standard navigation systems to provide accurate directions, resulting in drivers often getting lost.

To address this, Xia suggested a "5G+Beidou" precision navigation system. This innovative approach involves installing numerous satellite positioning devices indoors and enhancing base stations to overcome the lack of satellite navigation in China's underground loops.

The Beidou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), also known as COMPASS, is China's independently developed global satellite navigation system and is the third mature satellite navigation system after GPS and GLONASS. BDS, along with GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO, is recognized as a service provider by the United Nations Satellite Navigation Committee.

This year, Xia plans to suggest fast-track the "5G+Beidou" industry application, emphasizing infrastructure development, broadening industry uses, enhancing the industrial ecosystem, and fostering innovation.

"The '5G+Beidou' has broad application prospects in information and communication, emergency management, and security protection," said Xia. "Chongqing is known for its mountains and has a wealth of high-precision positioning technology application scenarios."

Xia expressed the desire for the country to expedite the "5G+Beidou" industry's rollout in Chongqing and bolster industry growth support. Through initial trials in Chongqing, the insights gained could be expanded across China and internationally.