5G scale tests to begin next year

Firm has already participated in the setting of global standards and establishing joint innovation center

China Mobile Communications Corp, the world's largest telecom carrier by subscribers, will start 5G scale tests next year and launch a pre-commercial service in 2019, with an aim to fully commercialize 5G services in 2020.

"We will accelerate the research and development of 5G and carry out 5G outfield tests in five cities this year," said Shang Bing, chairman of China Mobile, during the 2017 Mobile World Congress in Shanghai.