On September 21, 2025, Shanghai Stadium hosted an event that went beyond football. The match between Shanghai Shenhua and Chengdu Rongcheng saw the introduction of a groundbreaking telecom initiative. China Mobile Shanghai, in collaboration with Huawei, showcased its first 5G-A network monetization plan during this high-profile event.
5G-A Network Monetization Plan Unveiled
The match attracted an impressive crowd of 80,000 fans, turning the stadium into a live testing ground for advanced telecommunications solutions. The aim was to meet the challenge of providing seamless connectivity for numerous simultaneous users. This event marked a pivotal moment in telecom, as it demonstrated how advanced network capabilities can generate revenue in saturated markets.
Innovative Offerings for Fans
The centerpiece of the monetization strategy is the “5G-A Exclusive Package for Shenhua Football Fans.” This innovative plan offers about 200,000 subscribers various benefits, including:
- Network performance guarantees
- Access to matches through the Migu streaming service
- Unlimited downloads of video ringback tones
- Merchandise from Shanghai Shenhua Football Club
This approach provides fans with enhanced value beyond basic connectivity. The goal is to address a critical issue in telecommunications: maintaining growth when user acquisition has peaked.
Technical Foundations of the 5G-A Network
The technical success of this initiative relies heavily on Huawei’s GainLeap solution, which identifies and prioritizes 5G-A subscribers. This sophisticated technology allows the network to allocate high-speed channels to premium users, ensuring that they enjoy significantly better service.
During the football match, subscribers could experience download speeds of up to 600 Mbps. Huawei’s AI-powered intelligent wireless boards played a crucial role in optimizing network performance. These boards can quickly assess service types, user needs, and device statuses to enhance the overall user experience.
Infrastructure Enhancements at Shanghai Stadium
To support the enormous demand during the event, significant network upgrades were made at Shanghai Stadium:
- 32 new passive remote radio units (pRRUs) installed
- 4.9 GHz EM devices placed at escalator entrances to enhance coverage
- A team of over 40 engineers present for real-time monitoring
In addition to stadium upgrades, China Mobile Shanghai has ensured continuous 5G-A coverage within the Outer Ring Road of Shanghai, expanding its reach across five new towns and 21 metro lines.
User Experience and Future Implications
For fans, the benefits of the 5G-A package became evident during the match. Attendees could quickly make mobile payments for concessions, share videos instantly, and interact with social media, even in peak usage times. This level of service illustrates the potential value that can justify premium pricing for users.
The success of this initiative could reshape how telecom operators approach network monetization strategies. Traditional models have struggled to validate significant infrastructure investments. However, by aligning packages with specific user communities, like football fans, operators can create differentiated services that extend beyond mere speed enhancements.
As China Mobile Shanghai sets a benchmark for serving 200,000 fans, its efforts may provide critical insights for the telecommunications industry grappling with the challenges of monetizing costly network upgrades.
