Chongqing - Chongqing has unveiled a plan to achieve large-scale 5G deployment across the city within three years, aiming to consolidate its position as a regional leader in next-generation telecommunications.

The urban scenery of Chongqing. (Photo/Zheng Ran)

On August 21, 11 municipal departments - including the bureaus of industry and information technology, education, and science and technology - jointly released an action upgrade plan for large-scale 5G applications in Chongqing. The plan sets out targets for 2027, including forming a development framework where 5G capabilities are widely available, applications are broadly adopted, and benefits are shared across industries and communities.

According to the plan, Chongqing will strengthen 5 G's role as a driver of digital transformation, advance the development of 5G-Advanced (5G-A) technology, and promote integration with big data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things. Officials said the city will focus on enhancing the new capabilities of 5G-A products, expanding applications in key scenarios, and building stronger industrial and network support for the technology.

By the end of 2027, Chongqing aims for more than 80% of individual mobile users to adopt 5G, with over 70% of total network traffic carried on 5G networks. The city also plans to reach a density of 39 5G base stations for every 10,000 residents. 

In addition, the plan highlights deepening integration of 5G with digital technologies to empower areas such as smart manufacturing, intelligent transportation, and digital healthcare. Pilot applications will be introduced in sectors including industry, healthcare, and tourism to drive digital transformation, with industrial parks designated as early adopters of 5G-A.

"Through upgrading the use of 5G networks, Chongqing will promote the deep empowerment of multiple sectors with 5G technology," an official from the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Economy and Information Technology said. The official explained that the plan is designed around three priorities: expanding new forms of consumer services through 5G, improving production and business operations with 5G-enabled solutions, and enhancing public services such as governance, education, and cultural tourism with 5G applications.

Specific initiatives will include projects such as 5G plus industrial internet, 5G-enabled smart transport, 5G-based e-government services, digital education, social governance, and smart cultural tourism.

The plan also outlines measures to upgrade the 5G industry itself. These include extending and strengthening the core 5G industrial supply chain, supporting research and development in integrated applications, accelerating new product commercialization, and creating industry public service platforms. 

To ensure comprehensive support, Chongqing will work on improving citywide 5G network coverage, expanding industry-specific private 5G networks, building demonstration projects, and fostering an ecosystem for large-scale applications.

The plan also calls for closer coordination between the government, enterprises, and industries. It emphasizes the role of universities, research institutions, and companies in driving innovation, while encouraging local authorities, large enterprises, and investment funds to establish diversified financing mechanisms for 5G development.