In race for 5G, China leads South Korea, US, study shows

A 10-nation study said the US is in the ‘first tier’ of countries in preparing deployment of 5G, along with China, South Korea and Japan. ― AFP picSAN FRANCISCO, April 17 ― China is slightly ahead of South Korea and the United States in the race to develop fifth generation wireless networks, or 5G, a US study showed yesterday.

The study released by the CTIA, a US-based industry association of wireless carriers, suggested that the United States is lagging in the effort to deploy the superfast wireless systems that will be needed for self-driving cars, telemedicine and other technologies.

The report prepared by the research firm Analysys Mason found that all major Chinese providers have committed to specific launch dates and the government has committed to allocate spectrum for the carriers.

The 10-nation study said the US is in the “first tier” of countries in preparing deployment of 5G, along with China, South Korea and Japan. In the second tier are key European markets including France, Germany and Britain, with Singapore, Russia and Canada in the third tier.

Industry officials say 5G deployment will reap important economic benefits for the leaders, and that lagging could have negative effects.

“The United States will not get a second chance to win the global 5G race,” said Meredith Attwell Baker, CTIA president and chief executive.

“I'm confident that America can win and reap the significant economic benefits of 5G wireless due to our world-leading commercial investments.”

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