The development of 5G technology has reached remarkable heights in China, transforming various sectors and promoting an ambitious vision for the future of industrial operationsAs of March 2023, statistics released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology showed that the country had established more than 3.6 million 5G base stationsWith over 60% of the population now utilizing 5G services, the implementation of this technology is not only significant but also rapidly gaining momentumCritically, there are approximately 24.5 million ports capable of delivering gigabit network services, laying a solid foundation for the next evolution in connectivity.

5G adoption in various sectors of the economy has entered a robust phase, transcending traditional telecommunications and reaching into 74 of the 97 major categories in China's national economic structureThis includes vital sectors such as industrial manufacturing, mining, energy, and healthcare

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The integration of 5G into these industries has inspired innovative projects, leading to the emergence of over 10,000 initiatives integrating "5G+ Industrial Internet" technologies, which are streamlining processes and expanding capabilities in critical areas.

Consider the example of the Jiajin Coal Mine in Sichuan Province, where a remote mining center embodies the transformation made possible through 5G technologyOperators in blue uniforms monitor live feeds of underground coal extraction through their computer screensBy employing a combination of remote sensing technology and straightforward commands, they can manage coal mining operations from the surface, drastically reducing the need for manual labor undergroundThe historic methods of blasting and painstakingly excavating coal with hand tools have given way to an age of automation, where operators can ensure safety and efficiency from afar.

Liu Cheng, General Manager of the Coal Science Research Institute in Chongqing, highlighted the revolutionary shift brought about by 5G technology

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He remarked that the biggest impact of 5G in mining operations is the advancement towards fully automated workspaces with minimal human presenceThis dramatic transformation makes mining safer and more efficient by allowing for intelligent management of crucial processes like extraction, transportation, ventilation, and overall operationsThis alleviation of individuals from hazardous environments significantly enhances safety protocols while ensuring a stable supply of coal.

In collaboration with partners such as ZTE Communications, the Jiajin Coal Mine completed its 5G underground project in November 2023, allowing operations to begin in earnestThis infrastructure not only ensures robust separation between production and public networks but also enables seamless local data flowThe integration of multiple networks for video transmission and data collection has effectively addressed communication issues that previously plagued underground operations, facilitating a smarter, more remote-controlled mining process.

According to Fan Qinying, General Manager of Jiajin Group, the mining operations that once required over twenty workers can now be accomplished by just two

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Their mantra, "mechanization replaces labor, automation reduces manpower," reflects their commitment to advancing smart mining solutionsWorkers are liberated from unsafe duties, thus significantly reducing physical exertion while maintaining production levels.

The landscape of the telecommunications sector is also evolving rapidlyZhao Zhiguo, Chief Engineer of the Ministry, envisions a future where 5G evolves toward more advanced technologies like 5G-A, which offers enhanced data capabilitiesBy merging 5G with big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, the ministry aims to foster continuous development in the telecommunications infrastructure and innovation, preparing the industry for the leap towards sixth-generation mobile technology (6G).

The role of 5G-A technology in creating a bridge during the transition to 6G is critical, defining new objectives and capabilities for both personal and industrial applications

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For instance, China Mobile recently completed a 5G-A network that covers a key autonomous driving demonstration zone in Beijing's Yizhuang areaThis marks Beijing's first road designed for both 5G-A and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) collaboration, ensuring that robust infrastructure supports the cutting-edge advancements in autonomous driving technology.

Man Lin, General Manager of China Mobile's Economic and Technological Development District, emphasized the significance of 5G-A in managing vast data exchangesPreviously, the AI training data for autonomous vehicles could only be uploaded during non-peak hours, but now, it can be relayed in real-time back to computational platforms, enabling faster iterations in driving map development and operational paradigmsAdditionally, combining 5G-A connections with edge computing allows real-time data processing and reduces reliance on on-board computing resources, improving the efficiency and safety of autonomous vehicles.

As 2023 is designated a pivotal year for establishing international standards for 5G-A, industry stakeholders are urged to leverage new capabilities to drive innovation