China’s ambitious 5G push heading into slow lane due to coronavirus disruptions

SHANGHAI: Government measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus in China look set to delay the rollout of next-generation 5G telecom networks, a key technology initiative for the country’s leadership.

Tenders for six big 5G projects have been postponed since Jan.31, government records show. They include an industrial internet project in Guangdong province, a hospital-related project in Jiangxi province, and a police-related project in Gansu province.

Two leading providers of crucial fiberoptic cables also have headquarters and key production facilities in Wuhan city, the epicentre of the outbreak which is still under lockdown.