(ECNS) -- China Unicom plans to offer new phone numbers for 5G mobile network starting September in Beijing, about a month earlier than the previously anticipated date.
The telecommunications operator will offer the numbers mainly to new subscribers. After buying a new 5G smartphone, a current subscriber can simply upgrade to the ultra-fast network without changing their phone number.
China Unicom is also rolling out incentives to promote the use of 5G mobile services, which cost from 199 yuan ($28) to 599 yuan a month.
Industry experts believe the cost may drop to less than 100 yuan next year as competition among telecommunication operators increases.
