The 5G, referring to the fifth generation of wireless technology, enables gigabit speeds and a more powerful connectivity. [Photo/IC]

Binjiang district of Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, is set to become China's first 5G intelligent district, with the 5G network launching in May, local media reported on March 7.

The district started the construction of 5G networks in 2018 and intends to realize the full coverage of 5G signal in the district before May 17, the World Telecommunication Day.

In 2018, Binjiang built 12 5G test base stations, covering specific scenarios such as the internet of things industrial park, Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center, and NetEase Software Park.

At the end of February this year, the district completed the first batch of 5G multi-antenna base stations in Zhejiang designed to test the environment of 5G networks at peak rate and optimize core infrastructures.

As planned, Binjiang district will transform and upgrade relevant facilities of the 5G base stations in March, and expand the basic transmission network of the 5G technology. The district aims for the 5G technology to be in pre-commercial use before May 17.

Last September, Binjiang signed a cooperation agreement with China Mobile Group Zhejiang Co to jointly establish an innovation center with a focus on exploring the application of 5G cutting-edge technologies in the industries and propel the development of 5G industry in the district.

Aside from the innovation center, Binjiang is also home to the research and development (R&D) center of Nokia, the largest of its kind in China.

Established in 2002, the Hangzhou R&D center now is equipped with solid technical bases and a rich talent pool with over 4,000 employees. The center is also the main R&D base for Nokia's 5G and cloud products worldwide.