China will accelerate the rollout of next-generation communications networks over the next five years, with infrastructure development planned ahead of market demand to support the growth of artificial intelligence and other digital technologies.

The push is outlined in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s development plan for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), which targets a fully established next-generation communications network by 2030.

Under the plan, 5G user penetration is expected to reach 95 percent, while gigabit-capable broadband will connect 320 million households and intelligent computing power will reach 9,800 EFLOPS.

China will also advance 6G research, expand 10-gigabit broadband networks and low-Earth orbit satellite internet, and deepen the integration of terrestrial and satellite networks, including smartphone direct-to-satellite services.

The country had more than 5.15 million 5G base stations by the end of July, with 10-gigabit optical networks and intelligent computing infrastructure already being developed.