PRESS RELEASE: As 5.5G technology continues to permeate daily life in Guangdong, its applications now span unmanned vehicles, low-altitude logistics, and live concert streaming, marking a pivotal shift. The burgeoning low-altitude economy has emerged as a critical frontier for discovering innovative application scenarios that promise to enhance efficiency and connectivity.
According to industry experts, the latest advancements in 5.5G networks have seen deployment in over 330 cities throughout China, thereby establishing the world’s most extensive low-altitude communications network, which is transforming the landscape of telecommunication.
Building China’s Largest 5.5G Low-Altitude ISAC Network
In a groundbreaking event held in Zengcheng, Guangzhou, a 5.5G livestreaming session took place, showcasing seamless transmission with no jitter and remarkably high image clarity. Onsite measurements reported that the uplink rate of the network facilitating the livestream soared beyond 500 Mbps, significantly surpassing speeds typical of conventional 5G networks, thereby illustrating the technological leap offered by 5.5G.
This innovative 5.5G livestream, centered around “new agricultural tools,” was a collaborative effort between Huawei and China Unicom Guangdong. Officials noted during the event that “Commercial 5.5G networks are engineered to handle hundreds of billions of connections at astonishing speeds of 10 Gbps, which is an impressive 10 times faster than existing 5G technology. This marks a decisive step forward, positioning 5.5G networks as the intelligent infrastructure vital for the rapid evolution of China’s burgeoning livestreaming economy.”
In May of this year, the 5.5G low-altitude integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) test network specifically tailored for the Mingzhu Bay 3D transportation system was officially deployed in Nansha, Guangzhou. This advanced 5.5G ISAC technology enhances ground vehicle management by allowing unmanned vehicles to precisely detect surrounding vehicles and pedestrians, as well as tracking their movements and speeds. This critical data is sent to an Internet of Vehicles (IoV) terminal through a roadside unit, thereby significantly enhancing both driving efficiency and safety standards.
Newly developed 5.5G solutions, exemplified by PanoAAU, effectively merge sensing capabilities with communication functions, breathing fresh life into the low-altitude economy, which is rapidly gaining significance.
A director from China Unicom Guangdong emphasized, “We are committed to driving 5.5G innovation while establishing low-altitude private networks. So far, we have successfully covered an expansive area exceeding 9,100 km2, catering to the needs of over 300 drone depots. We have also initiated 5.5G multi-carrier aggregation demonstration zones across numerous urban settings, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Foshan. The integration of PanoAAU is instrumental in creating a cohesive network foundation that links air, ground, and marine operations seamlessly.”
In terms of enhancing low-altitude economic infrastructure, cutting-edge low-altitude ISAC test base stations have been strategically deployed across various districts in Shenzhen, such as Futian, Nanshan, Longgang, Longhua, and Luohu. These advanced base stations are equipped with the industry’s pioneering 4.9 GHz PanoAAU vertical large-angle devices. Collectively, they constitute the largest and most sophisticated 5.5G low-altitude ISAC network currently in operation within China.
Jiang Xudong, Vice President of Huawei Wireless 5G, remarked on the transformative potential of these advancements, highlighting their role in reshaping the future of telecommunications and connectivity.
How will 5.5G technology impact the future of livestreaming and unmanned vehicles in logistics?
**Interview with Dr. Li Feng, Telecommunications Expert**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Li! Thanks for joining us today to discuss the recent advancements in 5.5G technology. We’ve seen some impressive developments in Guangdong. Can you tell us how 5.5G differs from traditional 5G networks?
**Dr. Li:** Thank you for having me! 5.5G technology represents a significant evolution from standard 5G. While 5G networks are built to handle high data speeds and accommodate a large number of connections, 5.5G takes it a step further. With potential speeds reaching up to 10 Gbps, it is designed for an even greater volume of simultaneous connections—hundreds of billions, in fact. This allows for more innovative applications, especially in fields like low-altitude logistics and livestreaming.
**Editor:** That’s fascinating! The recent live concert streaming event in Zengcheng was highlighted for its high transmission speeds and clarity. What does this mean for the future of livestreaming events?
**Dr. Li:** The success of that livestream session demonstrates the robust capabilities of 5.5G in real-time video transmission. A consistent uplink speed of over 500 Mbps means that artists can deliver high-quality content without interruptions, enhancing the overall viewer experience. This sets a new standard for how livestreaming can be conducted—essentially turning any location into a potential studio or stage.
**Editor:** You mentioned low-altitude logistics as one of the applications. How does 5.5G impact unmanned vehicles and the logistics industry?
**Dr. Li:** 5.5G’s integrated sensing and communications capabilities are game-changers for unmanned vehicles. With its precise detection abilities, we can expect enhanced safety and efficiency in urban settings. For instance, in the Mingzhu Bay area, the 3D transportation system benefits from real-time data sharing among vehicles, which optimizes traffic management and reduces delays. This not only improves operational efficiency but also supports the burgeoning low-altitude economy.
**Editor:** It sounds like 5.5G is paving the way for new opportunities. What challenges do you see in its implementation across various sectors?
**Dr. Li:** While the potential is immense, challenges do remain. The widespread deployment of infrastructure is essential. Moreover, we need to address concerns about cybersecurity and the digital divide to ensure equitable access to this technology. Continued collaboration between telecom companies, government, and industry stakeholders will be key to overcoming these hurdles and realizing the full benefits of 5.5G.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Li, for sharing your insights. It will certainly be exciting to watch how 5.5G technology evolves and impacts our daily lives.
**Dr. Li:** Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing the innovations that emerge from this transformative technology.