In recent times, the low-altitude economy has emerged as an exciting new frontier, buzzing with potential and brimming with possibilitiesUtilizing cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, low-Earth orbit satellites, and broadband communication networks, China's three major telecom operators are zealously pursuing advancements in a variety of sectors related to low-altitude initiativesThese operators are actively investing in innovation and are strategically expanding their industrial layouts, aiming to unlock new avenues for growth in the economy.

The low-altitude information infrastructure is currently receiving considerable attention, particularly as logistics and transportation are revolutionized by the capability of dronesTake, for example, a remarkable scene where a massive drone ascends from a gigantic fishing vessel off the coast of Zhoushan, carrying fresh seafood that weighs over a hundred kilograms

This drone is capable of traversing more than 100 kilometers over the sea, reaching Shanghai in just an hourThanks to advances made by China Mobile—including multi-frequency coordination and low-altitude coverage optimization—5G networks now offer comprehensive coverage at altitudes of 300 meters, enabling the drone to fly precisely and efficiently.

The interplay of communication technologies and smart logistics in the low-altitude sphere illustrates the undeniable potential of this economic sectorFrom innovative aerial taxi services and flying buses to intelligent drone-based logistics and emergency response systems, a complex web of networks is emerging—one that supports the fast-rising low-altitude economyThe three major telecommunications operators are closely collaborating to establish a resilient low-altitude information infrastructureThey are embarking on various projects that focus on validating and piloting technology-based solutions utilizing 5G/5G-A communication and sensing networks.

China Telecom has proposed speeding up the creation of a smart low-altitude network that seamlessly integrates cloud and network resources, communication, and sensing technologies

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This comprehensive system is aimed at meeting stringent infrastructure demands for low-altitude flights, characterized by high density, frequency, coverage, connectivity, efficiency, and safetyChina Mobile has also announced plans to construct a combined low-altitude intelligent network comprising three essential elements: a reliable wide-area low-altitude communication network, an intelligent and precise low-altitude navigation network, and a robust low-altitude sensing network to enhance crucial technologies.

Furthermore, China Unicom recently unveiled two major platforms—“Smart Low-Altitude Application” and “Low-Altitude Safety Supervision”—central to safeguarding low-altitude operationsThe latter employs advanced 5G-A millimeter-wave technologies to ensure accurate positioning of aerial vehicles in the low-altitude sector, thereby providing a reliable safeguard for the thriving low-altitude economy.

Experts, such as Yang Ling, head of the Intelligent Equipment Industry Research Center at CCID Consulting, emphasize that effective low-altitude economic networks hinge on robust network infrastructure and data platforms

These networks need to rely on satellite communication, 5G-A, and ADS-B technologies to ensure comprehensive signal coverageAt the same time, the data platforms must encompass data centers, advanced algorithms, and efficient processing of low-altitude data.

"Telecom operators possess a significant resource advantage in this field, particularly because of the basic communication services facilitated by their 5G and 5G-A networks," Yang statesHe highlighted that, thanks to China's cutting-edge advancements in 5G technology, telecom operators have begun testing low-altitude economic development capabilities across various regions, establishing a solid foundation for this new economic model.

Expanding the application scenarios for low-altitude communications is vital for the industry's swift growthAs network deployment and application development go hand in hand, they collectively create a flourishing ecosystem conducive to healthy industry development

For instance, China Telecom has independently developed platforms for unified low-altitude flight support and centralized monitoring, covering vital sectors, including urban management, transportation, environmental protection, and agricultural safeguardingTheir solutions have already proven valuable in significant events such as the Asian Games.

China Unicom has established 12 types of low-altitude applications across various sectors, including urban management, emergency services, and ecological conservation, implemented across 12 provinces in China, showcasing its commitment to enhancing industry productivity and effectivenessMeanwhile, China Mobile has committed to creating a comprehensive low-altitude capability system and fostering innovation in low-altitude scenariosAt a recent conference, their general manager, He Biao, unveiled plans for a suite of ten model applications, which include aerial logistics, medical emergency response, and low-altitude firefighting, to enhance the industry’s collective efficacy.

While diligently pursuing the expansion of application scenarios, these telecom operators are also working on broadening the industrial ecosystem for the low-altitude economy

For example, China Mobile has partnered with 15 different central enterprises and several major cities to co-create an industrial ecosystem that explores new fields and scenarios for low-altitude economic growthSimilarly, in June, China Telecom established a low-altitude economic industry alliance, emphasizing major technological research focused on millimeter-wave low-altitude communication.

Industry experts believe that the low-altitude economy's success will largely depend on diverse application scenarios and a sound set of industry standardsBy actively collaborating with all other entities across the industrial chain, these telecom giants are laying the groundwork for rapid industrialization of the low-altitude economy.

In recent remarks, Ke Ruiwen, the chairman of China Telecom, underscored the importance of enhancing industry standards and regulations while fostering inter-industry cooperation

He highlighted that promoting collaborative exchanges in application development, research, and platforms would play a pivotal role in furthering the sustainable growth of the low-altitude economy.

The potential for growth in the low-altitude economic sector is undeniably compellingData from the Civil Aviation Administration of China indicates that this sector could exceed 500 billion yuan in scale with projections to reach 2 trillion yuan by 2030. With the involvement of the three major telecom operators in low-altitude communication infrastructure, intelligent terminals, and cloud platforms, this burgeoning economy has the potential to significantly broaden their market growth horizons.

In response to this emerging economic landscape, the three operators are accelerating their innovation efforts in the low-altitude sectorChina Unicom has emphasized extensive innovation in its network, technology, and service dimensions, pushing forward advancements in various technical areas, such as multi-mode data systems and low-altitude antennas.

China Mobile aims to drive the development of the low-altitude economy through intelligent, connected equipment and integrated, digital facilities