What's Happening?
China has significantly bolstered Asia's position as the global leader in 5G standalone (SA) technology, with over 10 million advanced 5G subscribers and 4.84 million 5G base stations by the end of 2025. According to Ookla Research, China holds an 80.9%
share of the SA market in the region, far surpassing other countries like Japan, which has a 6.9% share. This expansion is supported by China's deployment of over 64,000 enterprise private networks. India follows with a 48.6% SA share, driven by Reliance Jio's strategic focus on standalone architecture. South Korea, despite being an early adopter of 5G non-standalone technology, has been more conservative in its SA rollout, with only KT providing nationwide coverage. Singapore and Hong Kong have also made strides, with SA shares of 38.9% and 8.8% respectively, highlighting the varied pace of adoption across the region.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of 5G SA technology in Asia, led by China, has significant implications for global connectivity and technological advancement. This development positions Asia as a leader in next-generation telecommunications, potentially influencing global standards and practices. The widespread adoption of 5G SA can drive economic growth by enabling new technologies and services, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities, and advanced manufacturing. For the U.S., this underscores the need to accelerate its own 5G deployment to remain competitive in the global market. The technological edge gained by Asian countries could lead to increased influence in international tech policy and standards, affecting U.S. companies and their global operations.
What's Next?
As China and other Asian countries continue to expand their 5G SA networks, the focus will likely shift to enhancing network capabilities and exploring new applications. This could include advancements in artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and smart infrastructure. The U.S. may respond by increasing investments in 5G technology and infrastructure to close the gap. Additionally, there may be increased collaboration or competition between U.S. and Asian tech companies in developing 5G-related technologies and services. Regulatory bodies in the U.S. might also review and adjust policies to facilitate faster 5G deployment and innovation.
