China now has nearly 4.65 million 5G base stations, making up over one-third of its mobile network infrastructure, latest data shows.
BEIJING: China’s 5G infrastructure continues to expand at a record pace, with the number of operational 5G base stations reaching nearly 4.65 million by the end of August, according to new data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
This figure represents 36.3 percent of the country’s total mobile base stations, positioning China as the undisputed global leader in 5G deployment. The push aligns with China’s long-term digital economy strategy aimed at accelerating smart city development, industry automation, and next-generation connectivity.
The MIIT also revealed that China’s three main telecom operators, along with China Broadnet, collectively serve approximately 1.82 billion mobile phone users. Of these, more than 1.15 billion are 5G mobile phone users—an increase of 140 million since the end of 2024. This means that 63.4 percent of all mobile subscribers in the country are now on 5G networks.
China’s aggressive rollout of 5G base stations has enabled widespread access across urban and rural areas, enhancing network quality and unlocking new capabilities in areas like autonomous transport, AI-driven services, and ultra-fast mobile internet.
Industry analysts credit strong state-backed investment and streamlined regulatory support for the country’s infrastructure success. As demand for high-speed, low-latency connectivity grows, China’s leadership in 5G infrastructure is seen as a cornerstone of its global tech ambitions.
The latest figures underline how 5G base stations are becoming central to China’s digital future, not only powering telecom growth but also enabling cross-sector innovation and global competitiveness.
