China 6G development is gathering pace as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) approved 6GHz trial frequencies for 6G technology trials and launched coordinated regional pilot programmes to support the country’s next-generation mobile communications roadmap.
In May 2026, the MIIT granted the IMT-2030 (6G) Promotion Group permission to use 6G trial frequencies in the 6GHz spectrum band. The approval enables engineers and researchers to conduct 6G technology trials in real-world environments, including urban areas and industrial facilities, to address practical challenges such as signal penetration and device interference. The move represents a clear shift from laboratory research to field-based testing for 6G development in China.
China 6G Development Moves Into Field Trials
China’s 6G technology trials follow a structured three-stage process. The first stage, focused on key technology trials, has been completed. The second stage, covering technical solution trials, has now begun. A third stage involving system networking trials will follow. The objectives across these stages include identifying key technological directions for 6G, developing prototypes for typical application scenarios and performance requirements, and building pre-commercial 6G equipment.
Commercial application of 6G is expected around 2030, according to the MIIT’s development timeline. More than three years ago, China released the 2023 edition of its radio frequency allocation regulations, which provided a reference point for global 6G spectrum planning. The early research into the 6GHz spectrum band and the granting of 6G trial frequencies reflect a systematic approach to spectrum management and resource allocation.
6GHz Spectrum Opens New Testing Phase
The approval of 6GHz spectrum for trial use is a practical step that allows testing under real-world conditions. Until now, much of the work around 6G had remained within controlled laboratory settings. With the 6GHz trial frequencies now available, the IMT-2030 (6G) Promotion Group can validate technologies in selected areas, testing how 6G signals perform across different environments and use cases.
China 6G development is also supported by the country’s existing 5G infrastructure. In 2025, China added 588,000 5G base stations, bringing the national total to nearly 4.84 million. More than 330 cities now have 5G-Advanced network coverage. Existing 4G and 5G networks are not expected to become obsolete when 6G arrives. Research teams have explored the feasibility of achieving 6G-level transmission capabilities over current 4G and 5G links using semantic communications technology, pointing to potential integration between network generations rather than outright replacement.
Coordinated Pilots Support 6G Industry Development
In June 2026, the MIIT launched a joint provincial and ministerial initiative to coordinate 6G innovation pilots across regions. The programme, targeting activity through 2029, is designed to strengthen 6G technology research, standards development, industrial ecosystem building and the identification of application scenarios for next-generation mobile networks.
Provincial-level activity has already followed. Jiangsu province established a 6G industry alliance, while Hubei province released an action plan focused on innovation-led 6G growth. These regional efforts sit within the MIIT’s broader planning for a next-generation communication network, which involves both building new infrastructure based on emerging technologies and upgrading existing networks.
China 6G development now has a clear trajectory, moving from completed key technology trials into the technical solution phase, with coordinated national and regional programmes providing the framework for industrial progress toward anticipated commercial deployment around 2030.