China Starts Phase 2 of 6G Trials, Targeting Commercial Use Around 2030
Updated
Updated · People's Daily · Aug 20
China Starts Phase 2 of 6G Trials, Targeting Commercial Use Around 2030
3 articles · Updated · People's Daily · Aug 20
Summary
China has begun the second stage of its three-phase 6G technical trials after completing the first, moving the program from key technology work toward technical solutions and later system networking.
The shift follows MIIT approval in May for 6G trial frequencies in the 6GHz band, allowing real-world tests in cities and industrial sites to tackle issues such as signal penetration and device interference.
Beijing has widened the push with a joint ministry-provincial pilot program launched in June, while Jiangsu formed a 6G industry alliance and Hubei issued an action plan in July.
Commercial 6G use is expected around 2030, with China framing the rollout as an upgrade path rather than a replacement for existing networks.
That approach builds on a large 5G base: China added 588,000 5G base stations in 2025, lifting the total to nearly 4.84 million, while more than 330 cities already have 5G-Advanced coverage.