Xi'an to accelerate 5G network construction

The city of Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, will increase the integration and innovative application of 5G networks in various fields including advanced manufacturing and the construction of smart cities, according to a plan issued on April 23.

Officials said the city wants to emerge as a leader in innovation and development of the 5G industry, with a complete network foundation and rich application scenarios fashioned to its own need and requirements.

In 2020, it will build 9,000 new 5G base stations, achieving high-quality 5G signal coverage in important areas including core urban areas, the 14th National Games venues, key industry hubs, transportation routes and tourist attractions.

Officials said that in the following year, 7,000 new 5G base stations will be built and the city will achieve complete coverage of 5G networks in major urban areas.

They added that in 2022, 5,000 new 5G base stations will be built and 5G networks for commercial use will be opened in key areas in remote areas and counties.

Also, the city will ensure the operations of leading companies and the development of key projects in the fields of computer and chips, network equipment, intelligent terminals, new materials, antennas, application softwares and network security.

Officials said that by the end of 2022, the size of the 5G industry will top 30 billion yuan ($4.24 billion), making it an important force in the development of advanced manufacturing in the city.

Meanwhile, 20 to 30 5G innovative application demonstration projects will be established in the fields of advanced manufacturing, smart city construction, cultural creativity, artificial intelligence, smart logistics, smart medical care, smart education and the internet of vehicles.