Beijing and Washington play their strengths in 5G race

Subject

5G telecommunications in the United States and China.

Significance

The outcome of the contest between China and the United States for leadership in fifth-generation (5G) telecommunications technology will have long-term implications for each country's respective economy. It will affect the speed and way in which many new technologies, including autonomous vehicles and the Internet of Things (IoT), are implemented.

Impacts

• Consumers in the United States will be the first to enjoy the higher speeds afforded by 5G.
• The roll-out will be faster in China of such transformative 5G technology as autonomous vehicles and the Internet of Things.
• China’s healthcare, manufacturing and automotive sectors will be among the beneficiaries.