The winter is coming, and the 5G industry is showing a thriving state. With the rapid development of technology, the global race for 5G has intensified, and China is leading the way in this new era of connectivity.
On November 15, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology officially released the frequency usage plan for the 5G system in the mid-frequency band. The plan specifies that the 3300-3400MHz (with a principle upper limit for indoor use), 3400-3600MHz, and 4800-5000MHz bands will be used as the working frequencies for the 5G system. This makes China the first country in the world to release such a detailed frequency plan for 5G in the mid-band range, marking a major step forward in the national 5G strategy.
As the main development direction of future information and communication technology, 5G has been elevated to a strategic level by many countries around the globe. Thanks to the joint efforts of the global industrial chain, the commercialization of 5G is accelerating rapidly. Major manufacturers and operators are competing fiercely to capture market share. In China, the three major telecom operators have already launched experimental networks in major cities in 2018, initiated large-scale trials in 2019, and officially started commercial deployment in 2020.
One of the most visible impacts of the fast-paced 5G rollout is the increased demand for both macro and micro base stations. These two types of base stations are closely related to smart streetlights, which are becoming a key infrastructure for 5G deployment.
According to the marketing director of Datang Energy Saving Services Co., Ltd., a 4A-level energy-saving service company, the integration of streetlights into the overall planning of next-generation information and communication technology is now a reality. He explained that one of the key features of 5G deployment is that base stations will be much closer than before. Given their widespread presence across urban areas, streetlights are an ideal location for installing micro base stations.
Smart streetlights are not just about lighting anymore—they have evolved into multi-functional platforms. They can support intelligent security systems, WiFi access points, cameras, weather monitoring, LED traffic guidance, and even charging stations. Some advanced models integrate IoT devices like garbage bins and manhole cover sensors, enabling functions such as environmental monitoring, emergency alerts, and data collection.
At the Guangya Exhibition, Huawei experts highlighted the immense value of light poles in the context of smart city development. As a result, the industry has started to look at light pole resources more seriously, with many companies exploring ways to repurpose them for 5G and smart city applications.
However, traditional WiFi routers struggle to meet the demands of smart streetlights due to limitations in device capacity, signal stability, and transmission speed. Fortunately, with 5G commercialization expected by 2020, these challenges are set to be addressed. The integration of 5G into smart streetlight systems will enable seamless connectivity and enhance their functionality significantly.
In addition, NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) technology is playing a crucial role in making smart streetlights more intelligent. It provides a reliable and low-power communication solution, allowing streetlights to collect and transmit data efficiently.
Several successful projects have already demonstrated the potential of NB-IoT-enabled smart streetlights. For example, Hangzhou Telecom, Huawei, and Zhejiang Dayun IOT completed the first NB-IoT smart lighting project in Zhejiang in March. In June, the world’s first large-scale NB-IoT smart streetlight project was launched in Yingtan New District, followed by similar deployments in Shanghai, Xiong’an New District, and Beijing.
These developments show that NB-IoT smart streetlights are quickly becoming a reality, paving the way for smarter and more connected urban environments.
Beyond just lighting, smart streetlights are also being explored for various business models. Traditional streetlights were often seen as a cost center, but with the integration of 5G and IoT technologies, they can now generate revenue through services like data collection, advertising, and public safety monitoring.
Experts believe that smart streetlights could evolve into a big data collection platform and a new municipal management system. This could create a new industry known as the "smart streetlight economy," offering significant value creation opportunities.
One of the emerging operating models is the EMC+PPP model, where the government and private sector collaborate to develop and manage smart streetlight systems. This approach allows for more efficient resource utilization and long-term sustainability.
As the industry continues to evolve, companies like Datang Energy, which have strong capabilities in big data and chip technology, are well-positioned to lead the charge in 5G, PPP, and smart city initiatives. With cross-border collaboration becoming more common, the future of smart streetlights looks promising, and their role in shaping the cities of tomorrow is undeniable.
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