Despite having the largest 5G user base in the world, China's 5G network roll-out can hardly keep up with the rapid increase in its 5G users. As a matter of fact, nearly half of China's 5G subscribers still use 4G networks and about 40% of the new 5G subscribers added in 2021 still use 4G phones.
This shows that China's 5G penetration may not be as deep as it claims. Nevertheless, China reiterates its commitment to building the world's most extensive stand-alone 5G network in the 14th five-year plan.
China's 14th five-year plan aims to keep rolling out 5G base stations, expand 5G coverage to rural areas and map out 5G-based application goals.
Chart 1: China's 5G construction targets for 2025 in 14th 5-year plan
Chart 3: Number of telecom service subscribers in China (m units)
Chart 4: Number of telecom service subscribers by top-3 carriers in China, 4Q20-4Q21 (k units)
Chart 6: 5G applications for enterprises in 14th 5-year plan
Table 2: 5G applications in broadcasting during Winter Olympics
Table 3: Autonomous driving applications showcased in Shougang Park
