The conference on the integrated application and development of 5G stations in the maritime sector is held on Aug 6. [Photo/thepaper.cn]

Shanghai has made significant advancements in enhancing its maritime infrastructure, with the establishment of 1,800 5G and 1,491 4G stations dedicated to maritime use by the end of 2023, as revealed in a recent report on the maritime utilization of 5G stations.

This strategic initiative covers a wide spectrum of locations, including coastal areas and deep-sea regions. It offers crucial support to the burgeoning maritime economy. The findings of the report were revealed during a conference focused on the integrated application and development of 5G stations in the maritime sector, which took place on Aug 6.

According to the report, Shanghai's maritime gross domestic product soared to 990.16 billion yuan ($137.85 billion) in 2023, accounting for 21 percent of the city's total GDP and contributing 10 percent to the national maritime GDP. This growth has been primarily driven by key sectors such as marine transportation, marine tourism, and marine shipbuilding.

The convergence of next-generation communication technologies like 5G and gigabit optical networks has played a pivotal role in the evolution of the maritime economy, aligning it closely with the digital economy.

One example was the collaboration between Shanghai Mobile and Huawei in deploying the first commercial 2.6G and 64T dual-band ultra-long-distance high-quality network. This collaboration enhances data services, maritime safety, remote commanding, and high-definition communication requirements at Yangshan port.

Moreover, the Industrial Internet Innovation Center of the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology has developed specialized 5G terminals tailored for maritime settings. These devices are equipped with advanced antenna arrays that have been optimized for offshore signal propagation, thus achieving an impressive network performance that spans up to 83.79 kilometers offshore.

Through collaborative efforts between Shanghai Telecom and China Unicom, over 900 4G+5G stations have been established, ensuring comprehensive coverage within a 10-kilometer radius of the mouth of the Yangtze River, as well as a 70-percent coverage within 30 kilometers of near-sea areas, according to the report.

Source: thepaper.cn