Faltering start for 5G in China with 6G already looming large

5G is available in Shanghai (here), but outside big cities, it is currently quite difficult to access 5G networks in China. — nicholashan/IStock.com/AFP

It has already been a year since the first 5G commercial offers were launched in China. And for the moment, results are mixed with spotty coverage countrywide and 5G compatible phones deemed too expensive for the majority of Chinese people, according to the South China Morning Post. Chinese authorities are nevertheless already looking towards 6G, having just sent a first experimental satellite into space.

A 5G pioneer, China is one of the few countries that can already make an initial assessment of the uses of this new mobile phone standard. And the first results are rather disappointing, particularly since coverage is still quite limited. Outside of big cities, it is currently quite difficult to access 5G networks in China.