5G construction pace in China has picked up speed, allowing it to reach its annual target earlier than expected, Wen Ku, head of information and telecommunications development at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said.
"China wants on build 5G networks at a pace that is moderately ahead of schedule, as the country is entering a lead-in period in 5G construction in the coming three years, " he explained as quoted by China Daily.
The comments come roughly a year after Beijing launched its 5G rollout and commercialisation plans, leading to significant developments in the country's telecommunications industry.
According to the document, several 5G smartphone launches from local companies, along with Chinese consumers, has boosted the nation's 5G demand. 5G adoption is also expected to grow to roughly 50 percent by 2025, it added.
"To support this generational shift and drive consumer engagement, Chinese operators are expected to invest more than $180 billion between 2020 and 2025 in mobile capex, roughly 90% of which will be on 5G networks," it added.
Global 5G Deployment Slowdown due to 5G Bans, US Trade War
The news comes after a report found that the global 5G industry had slowed due to ongoing political wrangling over telecom approvals and auctions, stating they were a "bigger concern" than setbacks due to COVID-19.
Following London's ban of Huawei 5G kit from UK networks up to 2027, numerous reports have also estimated losses to the British economy of up to £40bn and nearly £173bn in gross domestic product growth.
The ongoing trade war between the United States and China saw Huawei, ZTE and dozens of Chinese firms blacklisted by the US Department of Commerce, who cited alleged security risks, souring ties between Washington and Beijing to historic lows.