The winter is coming, and the 5G industry is showing a vibrant and promising growth. As the demand for faster connectivity increases, the global race to deploy 5G networks has accelerated, with China taking a significant lead.
On November 15, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology officially announced the frequency usage plan for the 5G system in the mid-band spectrum. The designated bands include 3300–3400 MHz (with an indoor use limit), 3400–3600 MHz, and 4800–5000 MHz. This makes China the first country in the world to release such a comprehensive plan for mid-band 5G deployment, setting the stage for widespread adoption.
As a key pillar of future information and communication technology, 5G has become a strategic priority for many nations. With global collaboration driving innovation, commercial 5G rollouts are being fast-tracked. In China, the three major telecom operators have already begun testing 5G networks in major cities in 2018, launched large-scale trials in 2019, and started full commercial deployment in 2020.
One of the most visible impacts of this rapid 5G development is the increased need for both macro and micro base stations. These installations are closely linked to smart street lighting systems, which are now becoming the ideal solution for deploying 5G infrastructure.
According to the marketing director of Datang Energy Saving Services, a 4A-level energy-saving company, integrating 5G base stations into streetlights is a natural fit. Streetlights, which are already embedded throughout urban landscapes, offer a perfect platform for 5G coverage due to their wide distribution and structural suitability.
Smart streetlights are not just about lighting—they are evolving into multifunctional hubs. Some models now integrate LED lighting, security cameras, WiFi access points, environmental sensors, traffic guidance screens, and even solar charging stations. These features make them essential components of smart city initiatives, supporting everything from public safety to environmental monitoring.
At the Guangya Exhibition, Huawei experts emphasized the immense value of using light poles as 5G infrastructure. This has sparked interest across the industry, leading to a growing trend of acquiring and repurposing existing streetlight infrastructure.
In addition to 5G, technologies like NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) are also playing a crucial role in making smart streetlights more intelligent. NB-IoT allows for efficient data transmission and supports a wide range of smart city applications. Several pilot projects have already been launched across China, demonstrating the potential of these integrated systems.
For example, Hangzhou, Yingtan, Shanghai, Xiong’an, and Beijing have all seen successful implementations of NB-IoT-enabled smart streetlights. These projects highlight how smart lighting can serve as a foundation for broader smart city development.
Beyond just providing illumination, smart streetlights are expected to become key platforms for data collection and municipal services. They can generate revenue through various functions, such as advertising, parking management, and environmental monitoring. This shift transforms traditional infrastructure into a valuable asset that contributes to the smart city economy.
With new business models emerging—such as the EMC+PPP approach—smart streetlights are no longer just a public utility. They are becoming a multi-functional, revenue-generating platform that integrates hardware, software, and data analytics.
As 5G continues to expand, the integration of smart streetlights with advanced technologies will play a vital role in shaping the cities of the future. Companies like Datang Energy, which combine expertise in big data, chip technology, and system integration, are well-positioned to lead this transformation.
In conclusion, the rise of 5G and smart streetlights marks a new era in urban development. With continued innovation and collaboration, these systems will not only improve efficiency but also create new economic opportunities for cities worldwide.
Jiangsu Qilong Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.qilongtouch.com