China Plans Next-Generation Communication Network by 2030

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has released its "Information and Communication Industry Development 15th Five-Year Plan," outlining the goal to build a new generation communication network by 2030. The network is intended to be comprehensive, leading in performance, and will foster an advanced, secure, and controllable information and communication industry system.

The plan emphasizes upgrading computing power infrastructure. It aims to construct a national integrated computing power network, creating a multi-level computing infrastructure encompassing hub, regional, and edge resources. This includes deploying large-scale AI computing clusters with tens of thousands of chips and increasing the adoption of domestic computing chips.

Furthermore, the plan seeks to evolve urban and high-traffic area networks towards "dual 10 Gigabit" capabilities (10 Gbps download, 1 Gbps upload). The coverage of 5G-Advanced (5G-A) networks will be extended to county-level urban areas and key townships. The plan also prepares for the commercial launch of 6G networks and promotes the construction and expansion of 10 Gigabit optical networks.

The ministry also highlights the development of transmission channels for computing power, including the deployment of technologies at 400 Gbps and above. To promote "green computing power," the plan considers energy consumption and the use of green electricity. The objective is to create a transparent system for tracing the origin of green computing power and to develop an evaluation system for it.

The plan includes investments in 6G technology research and development, such as the manufacturing of 6G base stations and core networks. It also aims to develop new terminal devices like smartphones, smart glasses, and brain-computer interfaces that support advanced communication functions. Additionally, the production of high-performance routers, switches, and other networking equipment will be promoted.