Beijing News You Might Have Missed This Week, May 17
Beijing is a happening city! Don't miss a thing with our weekend roundup of the latest news.
5G-A Test Networks Deployed
Chinese mobile network operators have announced the deployment of 5G-A test networks in 31 Chinese provinces and province-level administrative divisions. Also known as 5G-Advanced, the upgraded technology promises faster speeds, increased network capacity, expanded functionality, and greater support for and integration of AI, among other advancements.
As an example, whereas 5G theoretical max download speeds have been claimed at 10Gbps or more, 56-A theoretical max download speeds have been claimed at anywhere from 20Gbps to 1Tbps or more. Realistically, however, average download speeds in practical, everyday scenarios will be much lower. With this said, 5G-A is certain to be an improvement upon 5G. Upload speeds with 5G-A are also projected to be incredibly fast – potentially ten times as fast as those with 5G.
Major mobile networks China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom are developing their network infrastructure and promising increased coverage as the year goes on.
In Beijing, a number of areas are currently covered by 5G-A. These include the China International Exhibition Center (Shunyi), Beijing Capital Airport, China World Mall, Peking Union Medical College, Universal Studios Beijing, Fuchengmen Avenue, Shougang Park, Yuyuantan Park, the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center Government Services Center in Tongzhou, a handful of universities, and select areas between the second and fourth ring roads. Users entering these areas may see automatic 5G-A connection on their devices, given adequate mobile support, at no extra charge.
Tencent Announces Updated Earthquake Warning Functions
On May 12, Tencent announced the update of earthquake early warning functions on WeChat and QQ, with support for China-wide notifications. The update includes enhanced alert notifications and alerts for strong earthquakes in a user’s area, with a full-screen pop-up and auditory countdown.
The earthquake alert system can be set up on WeChat through the 中国地震台网 mini program and on QQ through the QQ全城助力 official account.
The earthquake warning function also gives handy advice for what to do in various earthquake situations, depending on how much time there is until the earthquake is predicted to occur.
Bird’s Nest Implements New Color-Based Entrances
On May 11, Beijing police announced that the National Stadium, aka the Bird’s Nest, has implemented “color-based entrance guidelines,” aimed at making the process of entry into the stadium more efficient. The stadium has been divided into four color sections – red, blue, yellow and green – and ticket holders are now able to enter the stadium more quickly by matching the color specified by their ticket to the designated color area and check-in gate of the stadium.
Other upgraded ticketing app functions include after-purchase zone color information for seating, check-in gate location, subway and ride-hailing route information, and embedded navigation routes and maps.
Outside the venue, there are large, color-coded signs for each area and zone, as well as attendants positioned to help assist with navigation.
The new entrance measures have already seen improvements, with line lengths and wait times decreased and confusion at a minimum.
New exit measures have also been implemented, with areas for different transportation methods (including 20 stations for online ride-hailing) set up for efficient outflow of spectators from the venue and to improve security.
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Images: Beijing Fabu, Pexels
