China on Tuesday launched its first pre-6G test network in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, marking a significant step toward real-world applications of next-generation communication technologies.
The experimental network integrates key 6G components into the existing 5G infrastructure, delivering substantial performance improvements. These include significantly higher bandwidth, broader coverage, near-zero latency, and built-in artificial intelligence capabilities. Performance levels are expected to reach up to ten times those of current 5G networks.
Tests have already been initiated in several strategic sectors, including low-altitude inspection, industrial production, embodied intelligence, and holographic communications. This shift reflects a transition from isolated technical trials to system-level validation.
China relies on the world’s largest 5G network, with approximately 4.96 million base stations as of the end of March. Advanced 5G has already expanded to 330 cities, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. This extensive infrastructure has supported industries such as manufacturing, energy, and healthcare, while accelerating the development of artificial intelligence and the industrial internet.
Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), Chinese authorities aim to intensify research efforts, strengthen industrial ecosystems, and position the country as a key player in shaping global 6G standards.
