In a groundbreaking move for global telecommunications, China Unicom Beijing and Huawei have unveiled the world’s first large-scale integrated 5G-Advanced intelligent network. Announced at the event “5G Capital on the Way – Lighting Up Beijing with 5G-Advanced,” the deployment marks a major milestone in the evolution of 5G technology, setting a new standard for smart networks that offer enhanced connectivity, speed, and reliability across the capital city.
This ambitious project introduces a fully integrated network that supports both high- and low-band 5G spectrum, with applications ranging from immersive video streaming to cloud gaming. The deployment spans critical commercial, residential, and public spaces throughout Beijing, including iconic locations like the Workers’ Stadium and the Great Wall scenic area. These innovations promise to enhance everyday life and boost Beijing’s reputation as a global hub for advanced digital infrastructure.
The network covers over 10 million people across Beijing, offering ultra-fast, low-latency connectivity. China Unicom Beijing and Huawei have integrated a three-component carrier (3CC) network that spans a wide array of environments, from sports stadiums to residential neighborhoods, metro stations, and commercial districts. The expansive coverage ensures 85% of the 4th Ring Road area and Beijing Municipal Administrative Center benefit from 5G-Advanced connectivity, enabling a seamless user experience for services such as ultra-high-definition (UHD) video streaming and immersive cloud gaming.
A notable feature of this development is the revitalization of old phone booths across Beijing, which are now connected to the 5G-Advanced 3CC network. These upgraded booths offer instant access to navigation, ride-hailing services, and emergency assistance, enhancing the city’s infrastructure for the convenience of citizens.
One of the most impressive achievements of the deployment is the integration of a 10-gigabit 5G-Advanced network at Beijing’s Workers’ Stadium, home to major sports events and concerts. The network’s deployment at this commercial complex ensures that up to 68,000 people can simultaneously access high-speed internet to stream 1080p videos and use data-heavy applications without disruption. Tests conducted at the venue recorded peak download speeds of 11.2 Gbps, while the uplink reached 4 Gbps, making it ideal for high-definition live broadcasts and large-scale events.
The integration of advanced technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Internet of Vehicles (IoV), and extended reality (XR), demonstrates the versatility of 5G-Advanced in real-world applications. From improving audience engagement at live events to supporting advanced industrial use cases, the network paves the way for future smart city innovations.
Another key highlight of this deployment is the 5G-Advanced network coverage at the Great Wall scenic area in Yanqing District, where a large-scale 10-gigabit network has been established. This marks the first-ever integration of air-ground communication at such a scale, providing seamless connectivity across both ground-based and low-altitude airspace (below 300 meters). This connectivity enables innovative use cases in tourism, logistics, emergency rescue, and even scenic area protection.
By supporting high-reliability and high-quality services in challenging operational environments, the network is poised to foster the growth of the low-altitude economy, which includes emerging sectors such as drone-based logistics, aerial tourism, and remote sensing. The partnership between China Unicom Beijing, the Yanqing District Government, and Huawei exemplifies the commitment to leveraging technology for economic and environmental sustainability.
China Unicom Beijing has also made strides in operational efficiency with the introduction of AI-driven automation across the 5G-Advanced network. By utilizing Huawei’s intelligent operations platform, the company has automated the provisioning and optimization of network sites, reducing setup times from days to minutes. The self-provisioning process ensures that new sites can be integrated into the network without manual intervention, minimizing risks and increasing network reliability.
Moreover, the company has implemented end-to-end intelligent optimization of base stations, leveraging AI to improve network performance, enhance user experiences, and maintain service quality. These advancements reflect China Unicom Beijing’s vision for an increasingly intelligent and automated telecommunications ecosystem, driven by cloud-edge collaboration and AI-powered network management.
The deployment of the world’s first large-scale integrated 5G-Advanced intelligent network is a significant step towards creating a smarter, more connected Beijing. The partnership between China Unicom Beijing and Huawei sets a global benchmark for the next generation of mobile connectivity, delivering high-speed, low-latency, and reliable network services to a wide range of users and industries.
Yang Lifan, Deputy General Manager of China Unicom Beijing, emphasized the importance of providing a high-bandwidth, 10-gigabit network to ensure a seamless user experience for all, saying: “Only by providing 10-gigabit network capabilities can we guarantee a gigabit experience for all users.” Li Jie, President of Huawei’s 5G<E TDD Domain, echoed these sentiments, stressing the role of Huawei’s cutting-edge solutions in helping China Unicom Beijing maintain its leadership in 5G-Advanced network construction.
As China Unicom Beijing continues to roll out its 5G-Advanced capabilities, the city’s digital infrastructure will continue to evolve, powering innovations across industries such as smart cities, autonomous transportation, and immersive media. With these developments, Beijing is well on its way to becoming the 5G Capital of the world, setting new standards for mobile connectivity and paving the way for a future where technology and society are more interconnected than ever before.
