Since 2020, the Baotou municipal bureau of industry and information technology has been accelerating the promotion of new 5G infrastructure, according to local media reports.

The city has drafted a range of policies – including the Implementation Opinions on Accelerating the Development of the 5G Industry and Baotou's 5G Network Construction Promotion Work Plan – to achieve full coverage by 5G base stations within the next three years.

To date, it has installed a total of 2,500 5G base stations.

The construction and improvement of new digital infrastructure can promote the application of new business models, the proliferation of new business formats and the rise of new industries.

The development of Baotou into a smart city has also seen progress, with the formulation of related work plans such as the Smart Baotou Promotion Plan 2020-22.

The growth of the digital economy is another top priority for Baotou city.

The Implementation Opinions on Accelerating the Development of Digital Economy in Baotou centers on four main themes: information network expansion and upgrading, digital industrialization, industrial digitalization and governance digitalization.

The document further outlines the goals and tasks which are necessary in order to develop the city's digital economy.