The 100,000th 5G base station in East China's Shandong province was launched at Quancheng Square in Jinan, the provincial capital, on Nov 28.

5G infrastructure and road networks are required to achieve synchronized planning, design and construction. [Photo/VCG]

In recent years, Shandong has been ramping up efforts to speed up 5G construction and strengthen the integration and innovative application of 5G networks in various fields, including advanced manufacturing and the construction of smart cities.

This year, the province's 5G investment has exceeded 8.37 billion yuan ($1.31 billion) and the urban areas of Shandong's 16 cities have achieved continuous 5G network coverage. Transport hubs, key universities, hospitals, large supermarkets, 5A-level scenic spots, industrial parks and other key areas in Shandong have access to 5G mobile networks.

The number of 5G terminal users in Shandong has now reached 29.19 million, and the province has fostered 142 5G demonstration application models in 15 industries and 233 5G industry pilot demonstration projects, giving rise to a number of new business forms.

Qingdao Port began using 5G technologies early in 2020, allowing quay cranes to automatically move containers. The port is considered to be the first in the world to use 5G-based technology for remote-controlled cranes.

According to the development plan of the Shandong information and communication industry in the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), Shandong should have more than 250,000 5G base stations in operation by the end of 2025.