Imagine 80,000 football fans packed into Shanghai Stadium, all using their phones to watch videos, share moments, and stream live. At the same time, a new 5G network is being tested in real-time. This event, held on September 21, 2025, showcased China Mobile Shanghai’s latest approach to turning advanced 5G technology into revenue. The match between Shanghai Shenhua and Chengdu Rongcheng was more than just a game — it was a live demonstration of how telecom companies can monetize cutting-edge networks.

Overcoming Technical Challenges with 5G-Advanced

Supporting 80,000 users at once without slowing down required more than just increasing bandwidth. China Mobile Shanghai became the first in China to launch a special 5G-A experience package aimed at football fans. This package, called the “5G-A Exclusive Package for Shenhua Fans,” offers a differentiated experience that customers are willing to pay for. It leverages Huawei’s GainLeap technology to identify premium subscribers and uses AI-powered tools to optimize network performance, ensuring everyone gets fast, reliable service during the match.

This approach shows a shift in how telecom providers are thinking about revenue. Instead of competing only on price or basic connectivity, they are creating value through tailored experiences. The goal is to unlock new streams of income by offering services that enhance specific use cases like live sports streaming and exclusive content. This model helps carriers grow even when user growth has slowed in mature markets.

Innovative Business Models for Sports Fans

The partnership between China Mobile Shanghai and Shanghai Shenhua Football Club offers fans more than just a good network. About 200,000 fans can subscribe to an annual package that guarantees quality network speeds and special benefits. Subscribers get faster 5G-A speeds, access to all matches via a streaming service, unlimited downloads of video ringback tones, and exclusive merchandise. These extra perks turn the network experience into a value-packed package that fans are eager to buy.

This strategy addresses a key challenge for telecom companies: how to keep growing when acquiring new users becomes harder. By focusing on specific experiences, like enjoying a live game or accessing exclusive content, they can create more value for existing customers. This not only boosts revenue but also deepens customer loyalty, helping the industry shift from simply providing connectivity to offering rich digital experiences.

Powering the Experience with Advanced Infrastructure

During the match, China Mobile Shanghai deployed a flexible, scalable 5G-A network capable of handling intense demand. With thousands of fans streaming, uploading, and sharing simultaneously, the network provided download speeds of up to 600 Mbps for package subscribers. Huawei’s GainLeap solution played a crucial role in managing this load by identifying high-value users and ensuring they received the best possible service. The use of AI-powered wireless infrastructure allowed the network to adapt in real time, maintaining quality even at peak demand.

This technical setup demonstrates how advanced infrastructure can support large-scale live events. It also highlights the potential for telecom companies to monetize high-capacity networks by offering premium packages during major events. As 5G technology continues to evolve, such strategies could become standard practice for creating new revenue streams and enhancing customer experiences across different sectors.

Overall, the event at Shanghai Stadium marked a significant step in China’s telecom evolution. By combining innovative technology with creative business models, China Mobile Shanghai has shown how sports can become a catalyst for 5G monetization. This approach not only benefits telecom providers but also enriches the fan experience, paving the way for more immersive, connected entertainment in the future.

Inspired by

• https://www.artificialintelligence-news.com/news/5g-a-shanghai-huawei-network-monetization-football/

Sources

• ai-expo.net
• techexevent.com
• techforge.pub
• techforge.pub