GSMA – Mobile Economy Report China, 2024

The report by the GSMA Mobile Economy, 2024 discusses the evolution of 5G technology in China, with the number of 5G connections surpassing 800 million by the end of 2023. Mobile operators are now focusing on investing in 5G-Advanced to explore new growth opportunities and deliver economic benefits. It is projected that 5G will contribute almost $260 billion to China's GDP by 2030, while supporting almost 8 million jobs and contributing significantly to public sector funding. China is leading the way in 5G technology standards, with operators already deploying 5G standalone and transitioning to 5G-Advanced and 5G RedCap networks. This shift is expected to fuel a new round of 5G investment in 2024 and beyond, unlocking new revenue streams for operators and the wider ecosystem in both consumer and enterprise segments. Commercial trials for 5G RedCap are currently underway in multiple cities across China, with trials for 5G-Advanced also ongoing to pave the way for future commercial services.