▪ China’s reporting of 5G “package subscribers” should not be conflated to mean the number of 5G users. Not every 5G subscriber has a 5G-capable device, nor does every 5G subscriber actually have access to a 5G network.

▪ China’s mobile operators tend to count base stations, whereas U.S. operators report physical sites. Usually there are multiple base stations for each cell site or tower, so it’s important not to conflate these numbers.

▪ A larger 5G network does not guarantee superior network performance. All else being equal, China will need roughly 4.5 times as many cell sites as the United States to support its substantially larger population.

▪ Adjusted by the size of population served, the U.S. and China have a similar deployment pace. In 2019, the U.S. companies built 1 cell site for every 7,134 people; China is projected to build about 1 site for every 6,965 people by the end of 2020.

▪ China’s 5G ambitions should not be underestimated. The country’s fast-tracking of network deployment demonstrates its commitment to the industries of the future. But accurate comparisons of deployment stats show there is little reason to panic.