(Yicai Global) March 5 -- China Unicom plans to build thousands more fifth-generation  wireless network technology base stations in Shanghai by May to prepare  for the official commercial launch after the leading carrier finished  the first stage of its pilot project for the cutting-edge technology.

The Beijing-based firm started the second  phase of the project at the end of last year, according to a statement.  By the end of April, stations will be in place in Hongqiao Railway  Station, Hongqiao Airport, Huangpu District, Lujiazui Finance and Trade  Zone, Shanghai Railway Station, China International Exhibition Center,  Century Park, Yan'an Elevated Road, Zhangjiang Industrial Park,  Beijing-Shanghai High-speed Rail, Binjiang Trail, Disney, Pudong  International Airport, Xujiahui central business district and Caohejing  Emerging Technology Development Zone.

The first phase, already completed, covers  the core areas of the city and the National Exhibition Center,  university towns, science parks, business hotspots, tourist attractions  and other key areas in Qingpu, Songjiang, Pudong, Jiading, Yangpu,  Hongkou, Huangpu and Chongming districts, state-backed news outlet The  Paper reported.

China Unicom and Commercial Aircraft  Corporation of China held a press conference regarding a 5G smart  factory at a Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing facility on Feb. 28. It is the first true 5G smart factory, which features the application of 5G technology.

China Unicom has already achieved full 5G  network coverage of the factory and full connection of computer digital  control workshops, and it uses live image data and cloud digital through  industrial dual cameras and augmented reality.

Editor: William Clegg