Shanghai Metro announced the achievement of full 5G network coverage across the city's metro system and the trial operation of a private 5G network dedicated to serving the city's metro operations, marking a milestone in the world's first large-scale, systematic 5G application in urban rail transit.

The extensive coverage spans 21 routes, 517 stations and 896 kilometers, enabling passengers to streamline internet browsing, videos and music while commuting, according to an announcement made by Shanghai Communications Administration and Shanghai Shentong Metro Group on April 15.

The success of building the key digital infrastructure solidifies Shanghai's pioneering status in smart transportation, while setting up an exemplary case for other megacities' digital transformation in rail transit.

In 2023, Shanghai Municipal People's Government released a three-year action plan to advance the construction of new infrastructure, aiming to lead globally in coverage and application of the 5G network by 2026.

According to Shanghai Communications Administration, the project was the joint efforts by a number of telecommunication services providers and operators such as Shanghai Telecom and China Mobile's Shanghai branch.

The project not only realizes the full coverage of 5G network but also focuses on the passengers' experience and smart application scenarios. Over 80 percent of the mileage's coverage has been upgraded to 5G-Advanced. Real-time testing shows that average download speeds at station halls, platforms and tunnels exceeds 600 Mbps, with peak speed exceeding 1 Gbps, offering superior mobile communication services to millions of regular metro commuters. Shanghai Metro announced the successful implementation of full 5G network coverage across the city's metro system, along with the commencement of a trial operation of a 5G private network dedicated to serving the metro's operations. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the construction of the world's first large-scale, systematic 5G application in urban rail transit.

The benefits of the 5G network coverage extend to both the public and the metro sector. Shanghai Shentong Metro Group highlighted the enhanced performance in bandwidth and connectivity, enabling remote monitoring of metro train operations, high-demand data collection tasks for construction and rescue operations, and the deployment of 5G patrol and inspection robots to identify malfunctioning parts with exceptional accuracy.

Looking ahead, the administrating agency plans to optimize the user experience of the 5G network and advance the upgrade to 5G-A, exploring more smart application scenarios such as smart stations to enhance the commuting experience. Additionally, there are plans to strengthen the connectivity of the 5G network in the Yangtze River Delta region and promote the export of standardized smart transportation solutions, contributing to the creation of a more connected, intelligent, and environmentally friendly future of transit.

Gu Yingjie contributed to this story.