(Yicai Global) Aug. 17 -- ZTE has successfully completed tests of indoor 3.5 gigahertz and core fifth-generation wireless network technology in China's third-phase national testing of the communications matrix on July 20, the Chinese telecom titan announced today. The 5G tests are implemented by a promotion group led by China's industry and information technology ministry. The third phase is the final stage, as well as the last step toward commercialization, ZTE announced.

Slated for trial operation in the second half, 5G commercialization will bring telecoms a step closer to extensive commercial operation next year. It will also usher in a new phase for infrastructure construction for the next-wave technology, with the total number of base stations expected to exceed 10,000, thus benefiting businesses throughout the telecommunications sector chain.

ZTE's stock [HK:0763] traded at CNY14.3 per share after hitting the 10 percent daily limit up that bourse rules impose after the noon break today. Its market cap soared to almost CNY60 billion (USD8.8 billion) in a further sign that reports of its death at the hands of US regulators for sanctions violations have been greatly exaggerated.