Beijing, 2025 — China Mobile, the nation’s largest wireless operator, has achieved a landmark technological feat by launching the world’s first small-scale 6G test network, reaching astonishing download speeds of 280 gigabits per second (Gbps)—roughly 14 times faster than the theoretical maximum of current 5G networks. In a demonstration at the 2025 China Internet Conference, the company transferred a 50 GB file in just 1.4 seconds—equal to downloading a two-hour 4K movie in the blink of an eye.
The experimental network spans 10 dedicated test sites, underscoring China Mobile’s commitment to advancing 6G technology. The company has poured approximately 39.1 billion yuan (≈ $5.46 billion) into research and development this year.
In addition to terrestrial testing, China Mobile launched a low-earth-orbit satellite in early 2024 that bolsters high-speed, low-latency data transmission—further advancing the groundwork for space-integrated 6G systems.
Industry experts anticipate that commercial deployment of 6G in China could begin as early as 2028, with widespread adoption projected by 2030. This aligns with national goals outlined in government planning documents and international standardization timelines.
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The government’s 2025 work report uniquely spotlighted 6G, emphasizing its strategic importance alongside AI, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing. Telecom players, including China Mobile and China Unicom, are collaborating with academic institutions and industry partners to position China as a global innovation leader in next-gen networks.