The government has prioritized 6G research and ecosystem development in its next five-year plan, signaling expectations that robotics and AI will drive demand for next-generation networks.

Early tests have demonstrated the system across multiple use cases, including low-altitude inspections, industrial manufacturing, embodied intelligence, and holographic communication, with the platform validating diverse applications.

The Pre-6G test platform is designed to validate applications in industrial manufacturing, low-altitude inspection, robotics-based intelligence, and holographic communications.

China has launched its first Pre-6G test network in Nanjing, integrating early 6G features with the existing 5G framework to advance real-world testing and set the stage for deployment.

The network blends 6G features into the existing 5G infrastructure to enable higher bandwidth, longer reach, lower latency, and built-in AI, with performance claims up to ten times those of current 5G.

Overall, the system pursues high bandwidth, long-distance coverage, deterministic low-latency connectivity, and AI integration, aiming for about a tenfold improvement over 5G benchmarks.

Analyst notes that Pre-6G embeds initial 6G features into 5G to test real-world use cases while boosting 5G performance, with future demand expected from sectors like energy, materials, aerospace, and the low-altitude economy during China’s next five-year plan.

Officials say the rollout shifts from lab testing to full system verification and supports future 6G standardization and commercial deployment.

The project is described as moving from technology testing toward system-level verification ahead of 6G standards.

Industry officials indicate that expanding 5G and related tech has spurred AI and industrial internet growth, laying groundwork for 6G development.

China already operates the world’s largest 5G network, with millions of base stations and broad urban coverage, reinforcing the groundwork for 6G.