
China Mobile Communications Corp will launch fifth-generation devices in the first half of next year, a top executive confirmed on Thursday.
"China Mobile will launch 5G smartphones in the first half of 2019, as part of the push for 5G precommercial trials in 2019 and commercialization by 2020," said Li Huidi, vice-president of the major telecommunication carrier.
The company is set to roll out customer premises equipment in the first quarter of next year, he added.
Chinese telecom companies are seeking to maintain their lead in the global race for 5G connectivity, which will offer connection speeds at least 10 times faster than 4G services.
Global consultancy EY predicted that China is likely to advance its target for the commercial launch of 5G connections to 2019, to potentially become one of the first 5G-ready markets in the world.
Li noted that China Mobile Group Device Co Ltd has built an innovative center for intelligent hardware in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, which has already entered operation, adding it lays a solid foundation for the launch of 5G terminals next year.
The company's announcement came on the same day its subsidiary, China Mobile Logistics, unveiled a major plan to cooperate with leading logistics companies, including SF Express and DHL, to strengthen its business.
"Through our partnership with China Mobile Logistics, we plan to leverage more cutting-edge technologies, including the internet of things, into services such as package sorting and vehicle dispatching," said Liu Xiaoli, vice-president and general manager of the northern branch of SF Express.
Cui Zhongfu, vice-president and secretary of the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing, said that the partnership aims to integrate resources to optimize the supply chain, as logistics plays a core role in promoting supply chain development.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses