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2027 master plan – a second ‘Set Sail’ 5G expansion plan aims for 85% 5G penetration and 75% of network traffic on 5G. The total number of 5G base stations in China reached 4.486 million as of the end of May (2025), according to data released by the country’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
China Mobile, the world’s largest mobile carrier in terms of subscribers, had previously outlined plans to deploy 340,000 additional 5G base stations in 2025. With these new 5G deployments, China Mobile’s total 5G base stations will reach nearly 2.8 million by the end of 2025.
Mobile operators in China are ramping up 5G and 5G-A rollouts, with the former now at 4.5 million cell sites and the latter in 300 cities; a new 2027 roadmap will see 75% of mobile data in the country on 5G networks. 5G on 5M sites – China has over 4.486 million 5G sites; 5G now comprises more than 35% of total mobile base stations.
Today, with over 3.7 million 5G base stations installed nationwide, the large-scale application of 5G in China has greatly benefited both individuals and businesses, bringing significant convenience and opportunities. Here are some notable facts and figures about the country's 5G development.
With millions of base stations in operation, 5G networks generate an enormous amount of data. It’s estimated that 5G base stations worldwide produce more than 500 petabytes of data daily. This data includes network traffic, user behavior, and real-time analytics from connected devices. For telecom providers, managing this data is a major challenge.
While China leads in sheer numbers, the U.S. is making steady progress. By late 2023, the country had between 150,000 and 200,000 active 5G base stations. The deployment strategy in the U.S. is different from China’s, as it relies on private investment rather than government-led initiatives. Is this article too long?
South Korea is another leader in 5G adoption. With over 200,000 active base stations, the country boasts nearly 90% population coverage. This has made South Korea one of the most connected nations in the world, with advanced use cases in entertainment, healthcare, and finance.
The country has set an ambitious goal of deploying over 500,000 5G base stations by 2025, a target driven by telecom giants like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. The Indian government has actively supported 5G expansion, conducting large-scale spectrum auctions and offering incentives for infrastructure development.