In a significant technological advancement, China Unicom Beijing has launched what it describes as the world’s first large-scale integrated 5G-Advanced intelligent network. The deployment is set to benefit over 10 million residents within the city's 4th Ring Road and the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center. This extensive network encompasses a variety of venues including stadiums, schools, scenic spots, metro stations, commercial zones, and residential areas.
The newly implemented three component carrier (3CC) network boasts a remarkable speed of up to 10 Gbps and offers enhanced network capacity and spectral efficiency compared to existing 5G technologies. These improvements are expected to facilitate modern consumer applications such as immersive video experiences, ultra-high definition (UHD) live streaming, and cloud gaming, according to statements made by China Unicom in partnership with Huawei.
A key feature of this network is its integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. The network has been designed with end-to-end automation capabilities, informed by user service data. This allows AI to optimise various processes, including provisioning and site inspections. Such automation is anticipated to lead to improved operational efficiency, resulting in significant cost savings for the operator, while enabling rapid service deployment without the need for manual intervention. This advancement in automation is projected to reduce the time required for service provisioning from days to mere minutes.
To support these AI functionalities, China Unicom is establishing a robust compute infrastructure that will operate locally, at the network’s edge. By managing AI workloads directly at these locations, the network is poised to handle user demands effectively.
Yang Lifan, Deputy General Manager of China Unicom Beijing, commented on this achievement, stating, “Large bandwidth can quickly improve user experience. Only by providing 10-gigabit network capabilities can we guarantee a gigabit experience for all users. This time, we’ve built a large-scale integrated 5G-Advanced intelligent network to bring a better experience to all China Unicom users across Beijing.” He expressed confidence that the combination of Huawei's advanced technologies and China Unicom's smart operational capabilities would enhance user experience in the future.
Notable locations that will benefit from the deployment include the Workers’ Stadium, one of the largest football venues in China, which has been equipped with numerous 5G-Advanced sites. Field tests reported download speeds exceeding 10 Gbps, with a peak downlink rate recorded at 11.2 Gbps, enabling thousands of spectators to stream high-definition content simultaneously. Additionally, the 5G-Advanced network within the stadium supports advanced applications involving the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), the Internet of Things (IoT), and extended reality (XR).
The Great Wall Scenic Area, located approximately 70 km northeast of Beijing, has also seen extensive deployment of the 5G-Advanced network. In collaboration with the local Yanqing District Government, China Unicom has installed base stations that provide seamless coverage for the millions of tourists visiting the landmark annually. This initiative is expected to improve services related to tourism, logistics, and emergency response.
As the demand for network capabilities grows and the use of AI expands, the evolution of 5G networks becomes increasingly essential. Telecommunication companies globally will be observing China Unicom's innovative deployment closely, as they look for insights that could inform their own advancements in 5G technology.
Source: Noah Wire Services