The latest statistics show that 718,000 5G base stations have been built in China in accumulation. Many insiders predict that over 1 million 5G base stations will be built nationwide in 2021 though next year's specific construction targets remain being set right now, which is in line with the national guideline of moderately pushing ahead 5G network construction.
"As 5G commercialization accelerates, the cost of building each 5G base station will go down. In 2021, China is expected to build over 1 million 5G base stations as it speeds up 5G construction in all respects," estimated Wu Hequan, a CAE academician. Echoing his forecast, CICC expected three carriers to build 100,000 5G base stations in 2020Q4 to increase the number of 5G base stations to nearly 800,000. In addition, 800,000-1 million base stations will be built next year.
It'd be an epoch-making move in the world if China managed to build 1 million 5G base stations in a year's time. But building 1 million 5G base stations next year is not a radical goal whatsoever in light of the national responsibility for 5G construction and Chinese carriers' capabilities and aspirations for tapping into new businesses and growth points.