The Mobile Economy China 2026

contributed to the Chinese economy by mobile in 2025

5G connections expected in China by 2030

of China’s population connected to mobile internet

Uncovering trends in China’s mobile industry

In 2025, mobile technologies and services contributed $1.5 trillion to the Chinese economy, equivalent to 7.2% of GDP. This contribution is forecast to reach $2.1 trillion by 2030, driven by continued 5G expansion and deeper integration of AI and digital technologies across industries.

China remains one of the world’s most advanced 5G markets, with 1.7 billion 5G connections expected by 2030. 5G-Advanced is already live in more than 330 cities, serving 10 million users; operators are commercialising the networks to offer premium data services, enhance uplink performance and expand network capacity.

Mobile AI is evolving from on-device intelligence to cross-device, agent-based ecosystems spanning smartphones, vehicles and embodied systems. This evolution is enabling new interaction models and service opportunities, while reshaping network performance requirements.

The Mobile Economy China 2026 explores key trends and data shaping China’s mobile industry, including 5G momentum, the growth of mobile AI, green infrastructure and spectrum policy.