China Mobile announced the rollout of its 5G-Advanced network, commonly referred to as 5.5G, signaling a new phase in mobile connectivity within the country. In parallel, Oppo revealed that its flagship Find X7 and Find X7 Ultra smartphones, first launched in January, are already compatible with this enhanced standard. This update was reported by the technology outlet WCCFTech and echoed by industry observers who follow the rapid evolution of mobile networks.
Oppo chief executive Pete Lau confirmed the device’s compatibility by sharing an image that displayed the 5GA symbol on the Find X7 Ultra’s screen. The 5G-Advanced framework promises impressive performance gains, with potential download speeds reaching up to 10 Gbps and upload rates up to 1 Gbps, enabling smoother streaming, faster cloud access, and more responsive online gaming for users who adopt the new tech.
The plan calls for deployment across 300 Chinese cities by year’s end, with Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou among the initial 100 cities slated to begin testing. Several test sites are already operational in various regions, underscoring the government’s push to accelerate nationwide coverage and real-world validation of the new standard.
A notable feature of the 5G-Advanced push is the integration of satellite communication components within the network ecosystem. Oppo further positions its updated Find X7 Ultra as a flagship device that can leverage satellite connectivity, expanding beyond terrestrial networks to provide more reliable coverage in remote or underserved areas. The updated model reportedly ships with 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of internal storage, reflecting Oppo’s emphasis on performance and capacity to support data-heavy applications and advanced multitasking for power users.
Industry observers emphasize that 5G-Advanced represents a bridge between the current 5G deployments and the next generation of wireless standards. By incorporating higher peak speeds, improved latency, and satellite integration, carriers aim to deliver a more robust user experience in dense urban centers and rural locales alike. Analysts note that the standard’s rollout in China could influence global device certification timelines, as manufacturers seek to ensure compatibility with the evolving network framework and optimize energy efficiency, spectrum use, and device heat management.
From a consumer perspective, the 5.5G transition may bring tangible benefits such as faster downloads for large files, quicker updates for mobile apps, and enhanced capabilities for augmented reality experiences and cloud gaming. For businesses, the expanded bandwidth and reliable connectivity promise more seamless remote work, real-time data sharing, and improved performance for enterprise applications that require high throughput and low latency. Marketers and developers are watching closely to see how the new standard will shape consumer devices, network plans, and digital services in North America and beyond, even as the initial focus remains on China’s extensive city-wide testing program and the practical capabilities demonstrated by flagship devices like the Find X7 Ultra. The broader industry narrative will likely explore how satellite-assisted connectivity, edge computing, and improved network orchestration come together to support a more resilient digital backbone for future smartphone models and interconnected devices. Attributed to WCCFTech for initial coverage of the 5G-Advanced announcement and Oppo’s compatibility confirmation.
As countries around the world monitor China’s progress, telecommunications analysts in North America and Europe assess the potential implications for their own 5G-Advanced pilots and device ecosystems. While the Chinese plan outlines a rapid, city-led rollout, international operators are evaluating how satellite components and higher data rates could translate into new services, more reliable coverage in challenging environments, and broader opportunities for device manufacturers to pursue advanced specifications earlier in the product lifecycle. The evolving narrative highlights a broader trend toward integrated networks that blend terrestrial and non-terrestrial technologies to deliver higher performance, more consistent experiences, and expanded use cases for consumers and enterprises alike. Independent industry commentary referencing global implications of 5G-Advanced developments.