More than 1.5 million 5G base stations globally by 2020, says Huawei projection

According to a projection by Chinese tech giant Huawei, more than 1.5 million 5G base stations are to be deployed by the end of 2020.

Guo Ping, rotating chairman of Huawei, shared the projection on Monday in his keynote speech on the "Better World Summit 2020" organised by the company.

The virtual summit will take place from July 27 – July 30, 2020, said a press release.

Ping added that 5G has the power to boost digital transformation across all sectors of society. Recent data shows 81 telecom carriers have rolled out commercial 5G network by covering 90 million 5G users with 700,000 5G base stations. The countries and regions covered by these networks account for 72 percent of the world's GDP, including leading economies in Europe and the Asia Pacific. 

Guo Ping added: "As an ICT company, it's our responsibility to use the technology, together with our partners and customers, including carriers and enterprises, to effect a positive impact on our communities."

Huawei has developed nine scenario-based solutions that can use ICT technology to combat the pandemic by drawing its experience in early hotspots, like Italy and China.

The company has been sharing its experience and capabilities to help control the spread of the virus and reopen economies through hospital network development, remote consultations, online education, or restarting governments and businesses.

"We expect to see more than 1.5 million 5G base stations to be deployed by the end of this year. As global 5G deployment begins to wrap up, we need to strengthen our focus on industry applications. This will help us unleash the full potential of 5G," Guo Ping said.

The tech giant stated that when technologies like 5G, computing, cloud, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) come together, they reinforce each other and create numerous opportunities across five major tech domains: connectivity, AI, cloud, computing, and industry applications.

"From businesses to campus and cities, we can meet a diverse range of digital transformation needs by drawing on the synergy between five major domains. Numerous organizations around the world have already started reaping the benefits of 5G technology. For example, Shenzhen airport is using ICT to optimize the flow of passengers and have been able to reduce the boarding time from 40 minutes to 25 minutes," Guo Ping said; adding that Huawei has in-depth strengths in each of the five domains.

"We can mix and match them to create scenario-based solutions that meet the unique needs of our customers and partners. This is key to unlocking the full potential of 5G and driving commercial success."

Ping also remarked: "For 5G to succeed commercially, the whole industry needs to work together. First, we need unified standards for industry scenarios. Then we need to unify standards for applications. Moving forward, Huawei will double down on efforts to equip our partners with the capabilities they need, promote joint innovation, and drive growth for everyone in the value chain."

Guo Ping remarked: "Future network plans should take into account four factors: business growth, uncertainties, social responsibility, and cost optimization. The ideal target network would be one that provides ultra-broadband connectivity, a network that is simplified and intelligent. But the most fundamental goal should be to maximize the value of networks to unlock their full potential and achieve business success across the board."

"We have a broad set of capabilities spanning 5G, computing, cloud, AI, and industrial applications. By leveraging these strengths, we can provide scenario-based solutions that unlock the full potential of 5G and help both our customers and partners achieve greater business success," Ping continued.

The first day of the summit was attended by the representatives of various telecom carriers, regulators, analysts, media, and industry experts around the globe.

Other speakers included Liu Guiqing, executive vice-president and executive director, China Telecom; Hatem Bamatraf, chief technology ffficer, Etisalat International; Bernice Samuels, chief marketing officer, MTN; Alex Sinclair, chief technology officer, GSMA; and Adrian Scarse, head of 3GPP MCC and chief technology officer, ETSI.

Huawei has been working closely with the ICT industry, telecom operators & local partners in Bangladesh to fulfill the dream of "Digital Bangladesh" by bringing technical benefits to the people as well as contributing to the society with different CSR programs.

"Huawei is in Bangladesh, for Bangladesh! This is Huawei's call to action in Bangladesh, a way of thinking and a way of life that is built on collaboration," the press release added.