(Yicai Global) May 20 -- Telecoms firm China Broadcasting Network Corp. is getting ready to introduce its fifth-generation wireless network service later this year as it hurries to catch up with the country’s more established three major carriers, Shanghai Securities News reported today.

Beijing-based CBN has applied for 12 trademarks in the last month, which include a logo and name, the report said.

China granted CBN a 5G license for the 700 megahertz frequency in June 2019. However, as a relative newcomer to the scene it has been slow to capitalize on it as the company lacks the infrastructure and experience that the bigger carriers China Telecom, China Unicom and China Mobile have.

As a result, CBN is linking arms with China Mobile and the pair are planning to complete construction on 400,000 shared 700 MHz base stations by the end of this year, the report said, citing CBN President Liang Xiaotao. CBN completed integration with broadcasting network companies in 24 provinces last year, it added.

The 700 MHz frequency is considered ideal for 5G, as it has minimal propagation loss, wide coverage and low networking costs. The number of base stations required for 700 MHz is a fifth of that needed for 2.6 gigahertz, one sixth of that for 3.5 GHz and a ninth of that for 4.9 GHz. The 700 MHz band also had advantages for 5G universal coverage in rural and remote areas.

China Telecom, China Unicom and China Mobile obtained 5G licenses for 2.6 GHz and 4.9 GHz.

Editor: Kim Taylor