China’s first Pre-6G test network officially began operation on Tuesday in Nanjing, located in east China’s Jiangsu Province.
The new network combines 6G technologies with an existing 5G framework and is designed to test next-generation communication capabilities.
According to developers, the network offers high bandwidth, long-distance coverage, low-latency deterministic connectivity, and built-in AI integration.
They added that its overall capabilities can reach up to 10 times those of current 5G networks.
The test network has already been used for systematic verification in several areas.
These include low-altitude inspections, industrial manufacturing, embodied intelligence, and holographic communication.
The launch represents a new phase in China’s 6G development efforts. It moves the country from testing key technologies to full system capability verification. Developers said the project is expected to support future 6G standardization and commercial deployment.