China Fuels its Economy with 5G: $2 Trillion at Stake by 2030
The mobile revolution is reshaping China's economy, with 5G and digital innovation poised to drive spectacular growth, fueled by the momentum of MWC Shanghai 2025.
Mobile Technologies: Catalysts for Major Economic Transformation in China
The GSMA, the global association of mobile network operators, has laid the groundwork for its upcoming MWC event in Shanghai by revealing research forecasting a $2 trillion contribution to China’s GDP by 2030 through mobile technologies and digital transformation. The MWC Shanghai 2025, a key event in the tech industry, is set to highlight 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT), which the GSMA predicts will dominate the event’s themes.
5G: A Major Player in Economic Growth
According to the Mobile Economy China 2025 report by the GSMA, 5G technology and its associated market could account for 40% of this expected total GDP contribution. This revolutionary technology is poised to become a major pillar of China’s economy. The report also highlights that:
- 5G already represents over half of the mobile connections in China,
- Local operators are at the forefront of 5G deployment,
- Mobile internet penetration is expected to increase from 80% in 2024 to 84% in 2030,
- Data traffic is set to quadruple, reaching approximately 70GB per connection per month.
China: A Pioneer in Mobile Innovation
Vivek Badrinath emphasized that China continues to lead by demonstrating “how advanced 5G services, mobile innovation, AI, and digital services can have a real economic impact.” He stated that 5G is “the cornerstone of the mobile industry’s trillion-dollar contribution” to the nation’s economy. At MWC 25 in Barcelona, China was well represented, for instance, by Huawei showcasing several initiatives to harness the potential of 5G-Advanced (5G-A) and AI. 5G-A, based on the 3GPP R18 standard, offers downlink speeds exceeding 5 Gbps and latency below 10 ms. Over 60 global operators have announced plans for the commercial deployment of 5G-A.
ZTE presented its latest solutions covering six key themes, including ultra-efficient mobile networks, the all-optical world, and intelligent living. The company focused on deep integration of AI and connectivity, aiming to accelerate smart innovation and shape a more efficient, intelligent, and eco-friendly future. China Telecom highlighted its low-altitude economy initiatives, notably showcasing drones and manned flying vehicles. The company also displayed over 20 new technologies and products, underscoring its commitment to collaborating with global partners to build a new AI ecosystem.
These announcements underscore the commitment of Chinese companies to play a central role in the evolution of mobile and digital technologies.