Shanghai to build citywide low-altitude communications network

Shanghai aims to build a low‐altitude aerial intelligent network based on 5G-Advanced technologies to help promote the prosperity of low-altitude economy in the city, offering more information services and exploring the innovative applications.

According to a guideline issued Friday by the Shanghai Communications Administration, the 5G-A low‐altitude aerial intelligent network rollout will occur in phases over the next three years, with continuous coverage blanketing its airspace by 2026, to satisfy requirements for transmitting low-altitude flight data and high-definition video images with the capability for enhanced perception upgrades.

The phased rollout starts by achieving complete low-altitude corridor coverage in key districts of Qingpu and Pudong, and the Jinshan low-altitude coordination demonstration zone by 2024.

In 2025, coverage will expand to other major flight corridors within Shanghai to enable larger-scale low-altitude operations. The citywide low-altitude airspace aims for seamless 5G-A connectivity by the end of 2026.

The guideline calls on telecom companies to participate in building a low-altitude flight management platform to facilitate monitoring and oversight of low-altitude aircraft while providing information services for operators like navigation, flight planning and risk alerts.

On the applications front, Shanghai aims to realize large-scale deployments of emergency aerial rescue operations as well as logistics delivery by 2026. Normalized low-altitude corridors will be established as needed to support routine delivery operations.

A broad range of use cases is envisioned beyond logistics and mobility. The low-altitude network aims to expand rescue services like aircraft fire extinguishing,  public health response and emergency communications.

The network is furthermore expected to drive innovation in new consumer applications, including low-altitude tourism, business travel via air taxis and shuttles, and private low-altitude charter flights with electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL).