China faces setback in 5G ambitions as coronavirus leads to delays in base station installations
- The Beijing subsidiary of China Mobile, the world’s largest wireless network operator, reportedly said it has postponed installations of base stations
- The company’s 5G construction plans in 2020 will “definitely be affected” by the coronavirus epidemic, it was quoted as saying
China’s plan to be a 5G front-runner is facing a potential setback as the country’s fight against the spread of the coronavirus has led to delays in installing base stations that enable coverage of the next-generation network.
The Beijing subsidiary of China Mobile said it has postponed installations of base stations due to the outbreak, according to a local report by Chinese newspaper Economic Observer on Tuesday.
“Most property owners are not allowing us to enter and build [base stations] inside,” Beijing Mobile was quoted as saying in the report, adding that 5G construction plans in 2020 will “definitely be affected” by the epidemic. “The company is making adjustments in manpower and equipment, and will make timely modifications to its construction schedule according to changes in the coronavirus situation.”
China Mobile, the world's largest wireless network operator by subscribers, said that it will update the market on its latest overall 5G development plan in March when it announces its full-year results. “In the meantime, we will continue to take measures to ensure network quality across the country and provide quality services to our customers,” it said in reply to the Post’s queries.