5G technology is driving the development of the digital economy and transforming society in unprecedented ways. With its high-speed connectivity, low latency, and ability to support a range of applications, 5G enables digital applications that interconnect people, organizations and machines, creating new opportunities for innovation and growth.
As the foundation of enterprise digitalization and Industry 4.0, 5G technology fuels the high-speed flow of information and creates value via information technology integration and intelligent business transformation. It is now having a huge impact on traditionally conservative industries, like healthcare and financial services, and on legacy industries like forestry, energy and shipping.
5G-enabled healthcare applications range from autonomous healthcare robots in hospitals to patient monitoring with wearable devices and telemedicine using cloud video streaming.
A hospital in Southwest China installed 5G networks to support a host of new services, including a fleet of connected ambulances. Combining an integrated information platform and intelligent onboard equipment, the system reduces response times and enables paramedics to offer the same emergency treatments as patients would receive in the hospital itself. With China Mobile's extensive 5G network and very low latency, a patient’s data can be transmitted to the hospital in real-time while they are in transit. This ensures more accurate diagnosis and faster treatment.
Another traditional industry benefiting from 5G is forestry. Also in Guizhou, 5G technology is being deployed to monitor the forest around the clock and provide alerts whenever a potential fire hazard is identified. This helps to prevent and manage forest fires, supporting forest protection workers and safeguarding people, wildlife and property. If a fire should occur, China Mobile can use drones to deploy air-based mobile network base stations and provide network coverage to support firefighters and other emergency services as well as any members of the public in the area.
5G-powered drone systems are also used today across various industries for infrastructure inspection and maintenance. These tasks can be automated to increase efficiency: when the artificial intelligence (AI)-based inspection algorithm detects a defect, it alerts a human operator for confirmation and action. This is particularly useful in remote locations. China Mobile has deployed a 5G drone system to inspect tall communication towers in rural Sichuan. It takes an engineer two hours to conduct a routine tower inspection. A drone can inspect a tower in 15 minutes, saving manpower and eliminating a potentially risky climb to improve work safety.
To achieve development in the digital economy, it is crucial to integrate technology with various aspects of our economy and society. This involves not only automation and intelligent transformation to improve efficiency and safety, but also the implementation of smart city initiatives to promote sustainable development. By optimizing infrastructure and services, we can enhance the quality of life and reduce the environmental impact of modernization. In addition, application scenarios such as smart factories, remote services, and unmanned farms can also benefit society by increasing productivity, reducing operational costs, and improving resource utilization efficiency. These initiatives can help create a more sustainable and prosperous society that benefits everyone.
China Mobile is a pioneer in creating 5G applications for industry. With the convergence of AI, the Internet of Things, cloud computing and other technologies on 5G, China Mobile is working with a variety of industry players in China and around the world to drive the development of the digital economy, nurture the growth of Industry 4.0 and help build a community of shared future.
