China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to Increase Support for 5G Frequency Resources by 2025
In 2025, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will increase its support for 5G frequency resources.
Introduction
With the rapid development of 5G technology, 5G frequency resources have become a key factor in promoting national informatization and digital economic development.
In 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology actively responded to the national call and further increased its support for 5G frequency resources, aiming to build a more complete 5G network infrastructure, promote the widespread application of 5G technology in various industries, accelerate the process of digital transformation, and inject new vitality into economic and social development.
The importance of 5G frequency resources
1. Scarcity of frequency resources
Frequency resources are a limited and non-renewable natural resource, which is crucial for wireless communications. With the continuous development of wireless communication technology, the demand for frequency resources is increasing, while the available frequency resources are decreasing. Therefore, how to efficiently use and manage frequency resources has become an important issue facing the field of wireless communications.
2. Demand for 5G technology
5G technology has the characteristics of high speed, low latency, and large connections, and the demand for frequency resources is much higher than that of previous generations of communication technologies. In order to meet the construction and operation needs of 5G networks, more frequency resources are needed to support it.
3. National Informatization Strategy
5G technology is an important part of the national informatization strategy and is of great significance to promoting economic and social development. Increasing support for 5G frequency resources will help improve the national informatization level and promote the development of the digital economy.
Specific measures for China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to increase support for 5G frequency resources in 2025
1. Frequency resource planning and allocation
(1) Formulate frequency resource planning
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will formulate a detailed frequency resource plan to clarify the allocation principles, scope of use and management requirements of 5G frequency resources. Through scientific planning, ensure the rational use and efficient management of 5G frequency resources.
(2) Optimize frequency resource allocation
According to market demand and technological development, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will optimize the allocation of 5G frequency resources. For regions and industries with strong demand, the allocation of frequency resources will be appropriately increased to meet the needs of 5G network construction and operation.
(3) Promote frequency resource sharing
Encourage basic telecommunications operators to share frequency resources and improve the efficiency of frequency resource utilization. By sharing frequency resources, enterprises can reduce operating costs and improve network coverage and service quality.
2. Frequency resource supervision and protection
(1) Strengthen frequency resource supervision
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will strengthen supervision of 5G frequency resources to ensure the legal and compliant use of frequency resources. Any illegal use of frequency resources will be investigated and dealt with in accordance with the law.
(2) Protect frequency resource security
Strengthen the security protection of frequency resources to prevent malicious interference and destruction. Ensure the stable operation of 5G networks through the dual guarantee of technical means and laws and regulations.
3. Promote 5G technological innovation and industrial development
(1) Support 5G technological innovation
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will increase support for 5G technological innovation, encourage enterprises to increase R&D investment, and promote breakthroughs and applications of 5G key technologies. Through technological innovation, improve the performance and user experience of 5G networks.
(2) Promote the development of 5G industry
Promote the coordinated development of the upstream and downstream of the 5G industry chain to form a complete 5G industry ecosystem. Through policy guidance and market mechanisms, promote the widespread application of 5G technology in various industries and promote the development of the digital economy.
4. Strengthen international cooperation and exchanges
(1) Participate in international frequency coordination
Actively participate in international frequency coordination work and promote the formation of a unified 5G international standard system. Through international cooperation and exchanges, jointly promote the development and application of 5G technology.
(2) Introduce advanced foreign technologies
Strengthen exchanges and cooperation with international advanced technologies, introduce advanced foreign 5G technologies and equipment, and improve the overall level of my country’s 5G technology.
The world’s first quantum encryption 5G satellite communication “two satellites and three networks” integration test is completed
Recently, China Telecom Research Institute, together with Hefei National Laboratory, Jinan Quantum Technology Research Institute, China Telecom Satellite Communications Branch, University of Science and Technology of China, China Telecom Quantum Information Technology Group Co., Ltd., China Telecom Intelligent Network Technology Co., Ltd., Guoke Quantum Communication Network Co., Ltd. and other partners, jointly carried out an integrated innovation experiment based on quantum satellites, high-throughput communication satellites and China Telecom’s cloud network integration large-scale scientific and technological innovation device (abbreviated as: large-scale scientific and technological innovation device), and completed the world’s first integrated 5G quantum encryption security communication application integrating quantum satellite key distribution capabilities and high-throughput satellite communication capabilities.
This experiment is based on the 5G experimental network of large scientific and technological innovation devices, the “Jinan No. 1” quantum micro-nano satellite, the “ChinaSat 26” and the “Asia-Pacific 6D” high-throughput communication satellites, to create a three-network integration application of 5G mobile communication network, quantum satellite key distribution network, and satellite broadband communication network, and for the first time realize quantum encrypted 5GVoNR voice calls, 5G messages and 5G data communications based on quantum satellite key distribution and high-throughput satellite return.
Through this experiment, it was verified that in scenarios where traditional land-based networks are unreachable, quantum satellites can be used for wide-area free-space quantum key distribution, and the online distribution capability of quantum keys for miniaturized ground stations and other equipment can be realized, thereby supporting 5G quantum encryption secure satellite communication capabilities and improving 5G satellite communication data security transmission capabilities.
At the same time, communication satellite channels are used to solve problems such as the online issuance of measurement and control commands of quantum satellite ground stations and synchronous negotiation of application keys in areas where ground networks are unreachable, and to improve the commercialization capability of quantum satellite key distribution.
In the future, researchers will further expand the technical integration and application innovation of quantum satellites in the field of integrated space-ground communication, provide technical reserves and application models for integrated space-ground quantum communication networks, promote “quantum + network” to become a new driving force and new model for future industrial development, and continue to output power for China Telecom’s scientific and technological innovation.
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology creates an upgraded version of the “5G + Industrial Internet” 512 Project
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology creates an upgraded version of the “5G + Industrial Internet” 512 Project, aiming to build 10,000 5G factories in 2027.
On December 30, 2024, the General Office of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China issued the “Implementation Plan for the Upgraded Version of the “5G + Industrial Internet” 512 Project” (hereinafter referred to as the “Implementation Plan”) to further consolidate and enhance the implementation results of the “5G + Industrial Internet” 512 Project and accelerate the integration and penetration of 5G and industry.
In recent years, with the rapid development of 5G technology and the increasing maturity of the industrial Internet, the prospects for the integrated application of the two have become increasingly broad. In 2019, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China issued the “5G+Industrial Internet” 512 Project Promotion Plan. With the joint efforts of all parties, China’s “5G+Industrial Internet” development has achieved phased results.
The Information and Communications Administration of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China stated in its interpretation of the “Implementation Plan” that the total number of 5G base stations in my country currently exceeds 4 million, and the construction of 5G network infrastructure for the industry is accelerating. There are more than 17,000 “5G+Industrial Internet” projects across the country, forming a good situation of “promoting use by construction and promoting construction by use”. At present, “5G+Industrial Internet” has entered a new stage of large-scale development. On the one hand, there are still problems such as insufficient industrial supply and high comprehensive application costs, and the development of “5G+Industrial Internet” faces challenges. On the other hand, the accelerated implementation of 5G-A technology, the accelerated empowerment of new industrialization by artificial intelligence technology, and the more active exploration of industrial 5G independent private networks have brought new opportunities for the development of “5G+Industrial Internet”.
The “Implementation Plan” systematically deploys 18 key tasks and clarifies the new 512 goals. By 2027, “5G+Industrial Internet” will be widely integrated into key industries of the real economy, and the levels of network facilities, technical products, integrated applications, industrial ecology, and public services will be comprehensively improved. 10,000 5G factories will be built, and no less than 20 “5G+Industrial Internet” integrated application pilot cities will be created to promote the innovative development of “5G+Industrial Internet” in a wider range, deeper degree, and higher level.
Chen Xiaohua, director of the Blockchain and Data Elements Professional Committee of the China Mobile Communications Association and chief digital economist, told the reporter of Securities Daily that the “Implementation Plan” clarifies the strategic positioning and role of “5G+Industrial Internet” in the overall new industrialization, and provides development guidance and action reference for all parties in the industry. By creating an upgraded version of the “5G+Industrial Internet” 512 project, the multiplier effect of “5G+Industrial Internet” will be fully released, effectively promoting the deep integration of the real economy and the digital economy. The plan will promote the innovative development of “5G+Industrial Internet” in a wider range, deeper degree, and higher level, help promote new industrialization, and provide strong support for the construction of a strong manufacturing country and a strong network country.
Chen Xiaohua believes that the application of “5G+Industrial Internet” cannot be separated from the support of big data and artificial intelligence technologies. With the advancement of the “Implementation Plan”, the application of big data and artificial intelligence technologies in the industrial field will continue to expand and deepen, thereby driving the development of related industries. In addition, the “Implementation Plan” emphasizes the promotion of the integrated deployment and application of new industrial networks, industrial Internet identification resolution nodes, and industrial Internet platforms, which will prompt more enterprises and institutions to join the ranks of industrial Internet platforms and service providers, and promote the innovation and popularization of industrial Internet platform technologies.
As proposed in the “Implementation Plan”, the pilot of industrial 5G independent private networks should be carried out in an orderly manner. Support large enterprises and special industries to adopt frequency resources that meet radio management requirements and pilot the construction of industrial 5G independent private networks. Accelerate the exploration and practice of industrial 5G independent private networks in facility construction, application innovation, business models, etc., improve relevant construction specifications and standards, and enhance industrial supply. Actively explore the application potential of industrial 5G independent private networks, focus on industry needs to improve the adaptability of application scenarios, and fully meet the needs of enterprises in exclusive use, flexible deployment, etc.
The Implementation Plan also proposes a series of key tasks, including strengthening technological innovation, accelerating product development, supporting pilot verification, and improving the standard system. These measures will further enhance the industrial supply capacity of “5G+Industrial Internet”, reduce comprehensive costs, promote typical scenarios, deepen industry applications, and inject new impetus into the development of related industries.
The Implementation Plan pays special attention to the flexible deployment and application cost issues of small and medium-sized enterprises. By exploring lightweight, open, and intelligent network construction and operation models, optimizing tariff plans and other measures, the threshold and cost of small and medium-sized enterprises to apply “5G+Industrial Internet” will be reduced, thereby promoting the digital transformation and upgrading of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Wu Qi, a senior researcher at Pangu Think Tank, said in an interview with a reporter from Securities Daily: “With the deep integration of 5G and the Industrial Internet, the demand for network products such as 5G base stations, industrial 5G gateways, integrated private network equipment, and industry customized base stations will increase significantly. Through the 5G network, remote control and intelligent inspection of production equipment can be realized, reducing manual intervention, and improving production efficiency in multiple industrial fields. For example, in industries such as mining and ports, unmanned intelligent inspection vehicles can transmit on-site data in real time, detect and handle abnormal situations in a timely manner, etc.”
The results and impact of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s increased support for 5G frequency resources in 2025
1. Improve 5G network coverage and performance
By increasing support for 5G frequency resources, the coverage and performance of 5G networks will be further improved. 5G network coverage in rural and remote areas will be strengthened, providing users with more convenient and efficient communication services. At the same time, the transmission speed and capacity of 5G networks will also be greatly improved to meet users’ needs for high-speed and large-capacity communications.
2. Promote the widespread application of 5G technology in various industries
The widespread application of 5G technology will promote the digital transformation process of all walks of life. In the field of industrial Internet, 5G technology will realize the intelligence and automation of production processes; in the field of Internet of Things, 5G technology will promote the rapid development of applications such as smart homes and smart cities; in the field of Internet of Vehicles, 5G technology will provide strong technical support for autonomous driving, intelligent transportation, etc. The widespread application of 5G technology will promote the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries and the rapid development of emerging industries.
3. Promote the development of digital economy and industrial upgrading
The effective use of 5G frequency resources will promote the development of digital economy and industrial upgrading. On the one hand, 5G technology provides strong infrastructure support for the digital economy; on the other hand, 5G technology also promotes the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries and the rapid development of emerging industries. Through the widespread application of 5G technology and industrial upgrading, it will promote the comprehensive development and progress of the economy and society.
4. Enhance national competitiveness
The development and application level of 5G technology is one of the important indicators to measure a country’s informatization level. By increasing the support for 5G frequency resources, my country’s competitiveness and influence in the field of 5G technology will be enhanced.
At the same time, the development of 5G technology will also drive the development of related industries and the improvement of innovation capabilities, further consolidating and enhancing my country’s international status.
On Thursday, January 2, 2025, Chinese science and technology journalists learned from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology that the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology recently permitted China Mobile to recultivate frequency resources in multiple frequency bands below 3000 MHz that have been used for 2G/3G/4G systems, which can be used for 5G public mobile communication systems at the same time, increasing the support of radio frequency resources for 5G.
Reporters learned that frequency resources in the frequency band below 3000 MHz have the characteristics of low radio wave propagation loss, long signal transmission distance, and low network deployment cost, and are the main frequency bands for international public mobile communications.
This permission for China Mobile to carry out frequency recultivation will help improve 5G network coverage and communication capacity in rural and remote areas, better meet the high-speed, low-latency, and large-connection communication needs of industrial Internet, Internet of Things, Internet of Vehicles and other industries, and promote the high-quality development of my country’s 5G industry.
At present, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has cumulatively licensed 1109 MHz of public mobile communication radio frequency resource bandwidth to four basic telecommunications operators, of which 86.5% can be used for 5G. (Reporter Zhang Xiaojie, Zhang Xinxin)
Challenges and coping strategies
1. Frequency resource shortage
With the continuous development of wireless communication technology, the demand for frequency resources is increasing. However, the available frequency resources are becoming less and less, resulting in frequency resource shortage. In order to meet this challenge, it is necessary to strengthen the planning and management of frequency resources and improve the utilization efficiency of frequency resources.
2. Technical bottleneck
The development of 5G technology also faces some technical bottlenecks, such as challenges in network architecture, transmission technology, and equipment research and development. In order to break through these technical bottlenecks, it is necessary to strengthen technology research and development and innovation, and promote the breakthrough and application of key technologies.
3. Security issues
With the widespread application of 5G networks and the increase in data transmission, network security issues are becoming increasingly prominent. In order to ensure network security and user privacy, it is necessary to strengthen the construction of network security protection system and technology research and development, and improve network security protection capabilities.
In response to the above challenges, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will adopt the following response strategies:
- Strengthen the planning and management of frequency resources and improve the utilization efficiency of frequency resources;
- Increase technology research and development and innovation efforts to promote breakthroughs and applications of key technologies;
- Strengthen the construction of network security protection system and technology research and development efforts to improve network security protection capabilities;
- Promote international cooperation and exchanges to jointly respond to the challenges faced by the development and application of 5G technology.
Future Outlook
With the continuous development of 5G technology and the continuous expansion of application fields, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will continue to increase its support for 5G frequency resources. In the future, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will further improve the frequency resource management mechanism and policy system to promote the innovation and application development of 5G technology. At the same time, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will also strengthen cooperation and exchanges with international organizations, actively participate in the formulation of international 5G standards and frequency coordination, and contribute Chinese wisdom and strength to the development and application of global 5G technology.
Conclusion
In 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s increased support for 5G frequency resources is an important measure to adapt to the development of the times and the needs of national informatization construction. Through the implementation of scientific planning, optimized configuration, strengthened supervision and protection measures, the coverage and performance of 5G networks will be further improved, and the widespread application of 5G technology in various industries and the rapid development of the digital economy will be promoted.
At the same time, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will also actively respond to challenges and solve problems to provide strong guarantees and support for the continued healthy development of 5G technology.
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