China Mobile SVP Zhengmao Li used his keynote to add some detail about its next-generation network vision NovoNet, while steering clear of the term 5G.

“I don’t want to talk about the next generation of the network – that is just a simple evolution and is not strong enough,” Li said. “We want to specifically talk about a whole new network. NovoNet is the vision, because we need to reinvent the network.”

The world’s largest operator first mentioned NovoNet in a March announcement about the development of its Open NFV Lab.

The explained that its network vision shares some similarities with AT&T’s Domain 2.0, such as virtualisation of the network. “But with NovoNet, it needs new architectures, new operations and new services. Voice and data are the core of current networks, but in the future content and traffic will be the core.”

He said it is doing small-scale pilots and verification tests of the NovoNet network in four locations in China, without providing a schedule or target dates.

China Mobile, with 480 million 4G subscribers, has installed 143 million 4G base stations, and seen a thousand-fold growth in network traffic within 10 years.

He noted that there are many buzz words being used in the industry – such as IoT, Communications 4.0 and Internet+ – that are all searching for what the future communications network requires.

“Everyone is moving digital and you need a very strong network to support a digital economy.”