In a major leap forward in global internet infrastructure, China has launched the world’s first commercial 10G broadband network in Xiong’an, a smart city built to showcase futuristic urban planning and cutting-edge technology. The milestone was achieved through a collaboration between tech giant Huawei and telecom operator China Unicom, using advanced 50G-PON (Passive Optical Network) technology to power the network.
Located around 100 kilometers southwest of Beijing, Xiong’an New Area was established in 2017 as a key component of China’s long-term urbanization strategy. It was envisioned as a model city to help ease the overcrowding of Beijing while also becoming a hub for innovation, green development, and smart infrastructure. With the successful deployment of 10G internet, the city is now poised to become a testing ground for next-generation technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), cloud computing, and autonomous vehicles.
Ultra-Fast Internet for Next-Gen Applications
The new network offers data speeds up to 10 gigabits per second, which is nearly ten times faster than standard fiber optic connections currently in widespread use. Huawei and China Unicom’s 50G-PON technology is central to this breakthrough, enabling the seamless transfer of massive data volumes required by modern AI-driven applications, smart traffic systems, telemedicine, and immersive VR experiences.
“This launch sets a new benchmark for global broadband networks and represents a crucial infrastructure step toward building fully connected smart cities,” said a Huawei spokesperson during the inauguration event.
The 10G network is expected to support a wide range of high-tech services, such as real-time data exchange between self-driving cars, AI-assisted education systems, and next-level digital entertainment experiences. This move not only places China at the forefront of telecommunications technology but also lays the foundation for the country’s ambition to lead in the digital economy era.
Xiong’an: A Visionary Yet Controversial Smart City
While the launch of the 10G network is undeniably a technological achievement, Xiong’an’s development has not been without controversy. Despite years of investment and strong backing from the central government, the city has struggled to attract a large population or private sector investment. Critics point out that Xiong’an remains underpopulated, with many residential and commercial buildings still largely unoccupied.
Originally intended to draw government agencies, state-owned enterprises, and tech firms out of Beijing, the city has seen slow migration and limited business activity. Some analysts believe the government’s heavy-handed planning and limited incentives for private investors have hindered Xiong’an’s growth potential.
Moreover, residents and observers have raised concerns over whether the city’s advanced digital infrastructure is being utilized effectively. There are also questions about data privacy and surveillance, as smart cities often rely on extensive data collection to optimize urban services.
Balancing Innovation and Practicality
Despite these criticisms, Chinese authorities remain committed to the vision of Xiong’an as a sustainable, high-tech metropolis. The deployment of the 10G network is viewed as a critical piece of the puzzle in transforming the city into a showcase for smart living and digital governance.
“Xiong’an is not just about immediate population or commercial returns. It’s about building a future-ready urban ecosystem that can serve as a model for the rest of the country and even the world,” stated an official from the Xiong’an New Area Administration.
As the world watches the development of Xiong’an with both admiration and skepticism, the 10G network may be the catalyst needed to draw more innovators, startups, and investors to the city. Whether the digital infrastructure can turn Xiong’an into the futuristic utopia China envisions remains to be seen.
For now, Xiong’an holds the distinction of being the first city in the world with a 10G broadband network — a title that firmly places it on the global tech map.
