(Yicai Global) Feb. 27 -- China Unicom has agreed a resource-sharing and information exchange agreement with Spanish carrier Telefonica as part of the Chinese telecommunications giant's efforts to provide fifth-generation wireless network technology on a global level.

The two parties did not elaborate on the specific details of their cooperation, Chinese telecom news outlet CNII reported, adding that competition in the global 5G sector is increasingly fierce amid a growing number of players.

China Unicom confirmed the delivery of its first batch of 5G-equipped smartphone prototypes last month and expects the commercialization of the new generation of wireless tech to accelerate this year.

Editor: William Clegg