China Unicom and Huawei launch world's largest 5G-A 100Mbps uplink network
On July 15, China Unicom Beijing and Huawei launched the world's largest 5G-A massive-uplink commercial network, with over 10,000 base stations providing continuous coverage across Beijing. Drive tests over 34km showed 83% 100MHz uplink activation, 1Gbps peak, 397Mbps average uplink, and only 0.1% weak coverage points. The network supports AI glasses, AI phone interactions and real-time cloud upload scenarios.
Huawei AI-FAN: Wi-Fi 7 FTTR ships in volume, 50G PON commercially deployed across provinces
On July 15, Huawei revealed that its Wi-Fi 7 FTTR has shipped in volume and 50G PON end-to-end solutions are commercially deployed across multiple provinces. Over 90% of Chinese operators have launched gigabit+ packages, with 30+ upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 FTTR. Huawei's AI-FAN solution embeds AI models in Wi-Fi 7 chips for channel optimization and uses network large models for autonomous access networks.
Shenzhen Metro and Huawei build global Wi-Fi 7 train-ground comms benchmark
In July, Shenzhen Metro and Huawei launched an industry-leading Wi-Fi 7 train-to-ground wireless solution and initiated global benchmark site construction. The solution solves multi-vendor compatibility issues, achieving zero packet loss at 160 km/h. Shenzhen Metro serves 9 million daily passengers as Wi-Fi 7 expands from home broadband to transportation.
Jiangsu 6G Industry Alliance established in Nanjing
On July 17, the Jiangsu 6G Industry Alliance was established in Nanjing with Jiangsu Mobile as the first rotating chair. The alliance covers the full chain from network equipment and chips to space-air-ground integration and terminal modules. On the same day, Jiangsu Mobile and Purple Mountain Labs built an oceanic 6G cell-free trial station in Lianyungang, completing China's first maritime 6G full-service call.
Nokia and Nvidia launch commercial AI-RAN platform supporting 4G/5G/6G
On July 15, Nokia and Nvidia jointly launched the industry's first commercial AI-native RAN platform, supporting 4G, 5G and future 6G. It complies with Open RAN standards and has achieved 20% spectral efficiency gains, targeting 50% by 2027 and 100% by 2028. Three deployment paths are offered, with pilot trials in late 2026 and commercial launch in 2027.
Ericsson wins role in UK's £8B defense private 5G upgrade
On July 17, Ericsson secured a role in the UK military's £8 billion tactical communications system overhaul, highlighting private 5G's growing importance in defense applications.
Report: Private 5G market to exceed $6.6B by 2030
On July 16, new forecasts showed the private 5G market growing at 34% CAGR to exceed $6.6 billion by 2030, driven by multi-site enterprise industrial deployments.
Nokia and Taiwan Mobile expand 5G partnership
On July 15, Nokia and Taiwan Mobile signed a new agreement to expand their 5G partnership, focusing on software capability upgrades to build an AI-native 5G network.
RootMetrics: US mobile speeds surged in H1 2026
On July 16, RootMetrics reported that US mobile network speeds significantly improved in the first half of 2026, benefiting from operators' continued mid-band 5G deployment and spectrum optimization.
French municipalities scale LoRaWAN from pilot to production
French municipalities are scaling LoRaWAN deployments beyond pilot projects, with water management as the primary use case. Smart metering and leak detection justify initial network investment, with the same infrastructure extending to building management, lighting and waste collection. Orange, Netmore and Itron are among LoRa Alliance members participating in these municipal deployments.