China Begins Preparations for Commercial Launch of 6G Technology by 2030

BEIJING, August 28: China has announced plans to accelerate research and development of 6G super-high-speed mobile communication technology, advance technology trials and global standardisation efforts, and prepare for the commercial deployment of 6G by around 2030.

Liu Yulin, Director of the Department of Information and Communications under China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), said at a press briefing held by the State Council Information Office on August 26 that research into core 6G technologies would be accelerated during the 15th Five-Year Plan period from 2026 to 2030.

He said China would continue 6G technology trials, promote the development of technical standards and build an industrial ecosystem to further mature the technology and lay the groundwork for its commercial deployment.

In June 2026, China also launched a joint national and provincial-level programme aimed at promoting innovative 6G development. The programme seeks to develop domestically produced 6G technology solutions, new applications and 6G-related terminal products by 2029, strengthening the industrial foundation required for commercial use.

According to Chinese officials, 6G development is progressing through three stages: basic technology trials, technical solution trials and system networking trials. The first stage has been completed, while the second stage is underway, with commercial use of 6G expected around 2030.

Alongside 6G, China is prioritising several other emerging technologies, including quantum computing, bio-manufacturing, hydrogen and fusion energy, brain-computer interfaces and embodied artificial intelligence. Chinese officials said AI is already being increasingly integrated into research and development, design, production, manufacturing, quality testing and operations.

China is also seeking to strengthen its position in the global race to develop next-generation mobile communications. By the end of June 2026, the country had more than 5.1 million 5G base stations, while commercial expansion of 5G-Advanced networks was also underway, providing infrastructure and industrial experience that could support the future development of 6G.