Number of 5G base stations in China 2019-2023

By the end of 2023, the number of 5G base stations in China amounted to 3.38 million. With extensive infrastructure investments and ambitious rollout plans, China has achieved significant 5G coverage. According to forecasts, the number of base stations was projected to reach over six million by 2024.

Approaching full coverage

China has made significant strides in expanding 5G network coverage nationwide. In a concerted effort with the government, the country’s three big telecommunication companies, China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, successfully constructed 5G infrastructure in urban areas and key regions, allowing millions of users to access fast and reliable internet connection throughout China. The progress of base station construction has reached a point at which telecom companies announced that they plan to begin reducing their 5G investments over the next years.

Who is building the base?

The Chinese telecommunication industry is home to several global leaders in 5G technology that has played a vital role in the national infrastructure rollout, but even overseas companies participated. While 92 percent of 5G base stations in China had been manufactured by Chinese companies, Ericson and Nokia were the only overseas players accounting for six and two percent of base stations respectively. All companies have generated significant profits from their 5G business in China.