China’s 5G connections to top 1.7 billion by end of decade

China currently represents more than 40% of all global 5G connections, with the number of domestic 5G users projected to surpass 1.7 billion by 2030, according to an industry report released on Tuesday ahead of the opening of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Shanghai.

The Mobile Economy China 2026 report, prepared by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), noted that China has emerged as a global leader not only in 5G adoption but also in shaping the future applications of advanced mobile technologies, Caliber.Az reports, citing Chinese media.

As network coverage and capacity continue to expand, the industry's focus is evolving from simply connecting more users to delivering faster, smarter, and more specialised services, according to the report.

A key part of this shift is the rollout of 5G-Advanced technology across more than 330 cities on the Chinese mainland, providing stronger support for mobile artificial intelligence, immersive digital experiences, enterprise transformation, and enhanced public infrastructure.

The report also highlighted the economic impact of mobile technologies and services in China, estimating that the sector generated $1.5 trillion in value in 2025, equivalent to around 7.2% of the country's GDP. That figure is expected to rise to $2.1 trillion by the end of the decade.

"Those numbers tell the story of an industry that's moved far beyond connectivity into something much more ubiquitous: a platform for productivity, AI-driven services and sustainable economic growth," said Sihan Bo Chen, head of Greater China at the GSMA.

Scheduled for June 24-26, MWC Shanghai is regarded as Asia's largest and most influential event for the connectivity industry, bringing together leading global companies and innovators to showcase their visions for the future of digital communications.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov