In China, 5G network penetration is fast expanding and is expected to surpass 4G by 2024, according to market observers.
In recent years, a high penetration rate and an extended replacement period have slowed the annual growth of China's handset market, while the penetration rate of 5G networks is expanding swiftly, the observers indicated. The ratio of 4G to 5G network usage is anticipated to reach 55:45 in 2023, the observers said.
As early as 2024, 5G network utilization in China is anticipated to reach parity with 4G, the observers cited estimates made by the GSM Association (GSMA) as indicated. At that time, 5G will be the standard network technology, and video, e-commerce live broadcast, and online activities will be the most popular mobile services.
Only 12% of 4G network utilization is expected in China by 2030, with Internet of Things (IoT) devices being the most connected applications, the observers said.
China has already established itself as the world's largest single 5G market, the observers said. In addition to vigorous marketing by telecom operators, the number of new 5G base stations in China reached 890,000 in 2022, bringing the total number of 5G base stations in China to 2.3 million, the observers indicated.
As 5G adoption rates continue to rise, China will be the first country with more than one billion 5G connected devices by 2025, according to the observers.
It is also important to note that the increasing popularity of 5G network applications would bolster smartphone sales simultaneously. The Chinese smartphone market is already saturated, but there is still room for growth, especially in the category of high-end smartphones, the observers said.
Article translated by Jessie Shen
