Chinese mobile carriers are expected to invest 1.2 trillion yuan (US$176.5 billion) in 5G by 2025, 50 percent more than their total 4G investment, Nomura said yesterday. Carriers including China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom, are expected to build over 4.9 million 5G macro base stations by 2025.
5G is a “game-changing” opportunity for carriers as they can explore new business like smart manufacturing, super high definition video and smart driving, instead of just being a “pipeline” for voice and data services.
China will issue “temporary” 5G licenses in several targeted cities this year. Consumers will be able to use the first batch of 5G smart-phones and tablet computers in the second half. It’s the first time that China’s top industry regulator clarified the 5G industry timeline, especially the debut of 5G phones.
But 5G services will become accessible to normal consumers later than expected. More work needs to be done to make the 5G industry mature, which won’t happen until 2020, said UBS recently. Enterprises and organizations, rather than consumers, will enjoy 5G services initially. The first batch of 5G services will be available to consumers in about 10 cities only.
1. Why is 5G a “game-changing” opportunity for carriers?
A Because they can explore new business like smart manufacturing, super high definition video and smart driving.
B Because they are just being a “pipeline” for voice and data services.
C Because they can make more money from it.
D Because they are expected to build more macro base stations.
2. When will people be able to use the first batch of 5G products?
A In the second half of the year.
B One year later.
C Two years later.
D We don’t know.
3. How many cities will enjoy 5G services initially?
A 5.
B 8.
C 9.
D 10.
4. What’s the main idea of the passage?
A Mobile carriers plan to spend big on 5G.
B 4G is unpopular in the world.
C Mobile carriers will make more money.
D People prefer to 5G rather than 4G.
。