China's 5G Technology Blossoms on Mount Everest

China Telecommunications Corporation (China Telecom) succeeded in broadcasting a 5G-based livestream on 24-hour view on Qomolangma, also known as Mount Everest, in Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region on April 14, confirmation that China's 5G internet system covers the world's highest region.

With 4K ultra-high definition images, the livestreaming gained 6 million hits.

China Telecom completed its first 5G base station at the No.1 Qomolangma Base Camp, located at the altitude of 5,145.3 meters, on April 13.

The upload and download speed of the internet was 700 Mbps and 223 Mbps according to the on-site testing.

The completion of the station laid a network foundation for video transmission.

Three high-definition cameras were used in the livestreaming with two set up at the camp and one near the Rongbuk Monastery close to the camp at the altitude of about 5,000 meters. 

Three supporting vehicles were also ready to offer 24 hour technical and engineering support.

Another two main operators – China United Network Communications Group Co., Ltd. (China Unicom) and China Mobile Limited (China Mobile) – have also progressed in 5G construction since early April.

The transmission links and devices operate unstably because of the high altitude and extremely low temperature. Therefore, China Unicom installed a solar thermal power system to guarantee sufficient electricity supply for stable operation of devices, which lowered operation costs and protected the local environment.

At present, China Unicom has completed installation of two 4G and two 5G base stations at the No.1 camp as well as internet adjustment and network optimization.

China Mobile also developed 5G infrastructure construction on Mount Everest. By April 19, three 5G base stations at the camp and the transitional camp at the altitude of 5,800 meters were in operation.

The company plans to complete another two 5G base stations at the altitude of 6,500 meters. By that time, China Mobile's 5G internet will cover the top of Mount Everest.

China Mobile's five 5G base stations, built and operated by more than 150 employees, will form a network in the "stand alone plus non-stand alone" (SA+NSA) mode.

About eight tons of equipment for construction of 25 kilometers of cable as well as daily goods were carried by man and cattle to altitudes of 5,300 meters, 5,800 meters and 6,500 meters.

In addition, 12 employees, specialized in network maintenance and optimization, held their positions 24/7 in regions at altitudes of 5,300 meters and above to ensure smooth and functioning networks.

An image of Mount Everest of China Telecom's 5G-based livestreaming on April 14 [Photo/sasc.gov.cn]

China Unicom's employees built solar thermal devices to guarantee power supply to the 5G base stations. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]

China Mobile's employees complete an internet base station above 5,300 meters. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]

(Executive editor: Zhang Tianyuan)