5G adoption surpasses 70% as CTM eyes future 6G testing

More than 70% of mobile users in Macau have switched to 5G or 5.5G services, with 364,000 4G users recorded by the end of 2025, while 5G and 5.5G subscribers reached 1.13 million, government data showed.

CTM said it has achieved full 5.5G network coverage, serving more than 700,000 prepaid and postpaid subscribers. Beyond speed improvements, the company has also strengthened privacy protection by incorporating encrypted user identification features into SIM cards.

Hudson Lou, director of Network Services and Development of CTM, said artificial intelligence technology was introduced in the second half of last year to optimize network performance. AI models are used to train the fixed-network platform to better understand user behavior and application requirements.

“For streaming and downloading services, we can allocate the most optimal international connection routes based on demand, which helps improve user experience,” Lou said, as cited in a TDM report.

Looking ahead, Lou said 6G technology remains in the research and development stage. Some regions have begun preliminary testing, and Macau is closely monitoring global developments.

CTM expects to participate in 6G testing around 2027 or 2028, once technical standards are finalized. The new-generation network is projected to be tens to 100 times faster than 5G and 5.5G, integrating AI technology with terrestrial and satellite communication systems.

“Currently, this is still at an early stage. Some regions around the world have already started testing deployments. We are closely monitoring developments in Macau’s communication networks,” he told the press.