China Unicom - China
China Unicom (China) uses 2 UMTS bands, 4 LTE bands, and 3 5G NR bands. Find out if your unlocked phone or mobile device will work with China Unicom (China). See the tables below for details.
Check device compatibilityCarrier website: http://www.chinaunicom.com.cn
Last updated: 2024/08/04 - See latest updates
China Unicom and China Mobile are two of the major telecommunications providers in China, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
China Unicom
- Market Position: China Unicom is the second-largest mobile carrier in China, known for its strong data roaming capabilities and relatively lower fares compared to China Mobile.
- Network Coverage: While China Unicom's coverage is not as extensive as China Mobile's, it still covers nearly 90% of the population, making it a reasonable choice for most users.
- Device Compatibility: China Unicom is noted for its wider compatibility with devices from other parts of Asia, Europe, and Australia.
- Services: China Unicom offers a range of services including internet access, electricity feeding capacity, and IP address rental through its data center services.
- Global Reach: China Unicom has a significant global presence, with Points of Presence (PoPs) in over 30 countries and regions, providing robust and reliable network infrastructure.
China Mobile
- Market Position: China Mobile is the largest mobile carrier in China, with a market share of about 70%. It has a widespread network with stable signal coverage, making it a preferred choice for phone calls and data services.
- Network Coverage: China Mobile has the most extensive network coverage in China, ensuring stable call quality and reliable service even in rural areas.
- Tariff Packages: China Mobile offers various tariff packages, including GoTone, M-ZONE, and Easyown, catering to different user needs.
- Disadvantages: Despite its extensive coverage, China Mobile's fares are generally higher than those of China Unicom. Additionally, it experiences more spam text messages and has different LTE bands compared to the USA and other countries, which may affect compatibility with certain devices.
Comparison
- Data Roaming: China Unicom is preferred for data roaming due to its competitive pricing and better compatibility with international devices.
- Coverage: China Mobile has better coverage, especially in rural areas, but China Unicom offers faster connection speeds and better performance with VPNs.
- User Experience: Both carriers have their strengths, but China Mobile is known for its stable signal and extensive network, while China Unicom is valued for its lower fares and better data roaming options.
In summary, China Unicom is a strong choice for those prioritizing data roaming and international compatibility, while China Mobile is preferred for its extensive network coverage and stable call quality.
Frequency Bands
UMTS
| Name | Interface | Description |
|---|---|---|
| B1 (2100 MHz) | UMTS | China Unicom China uses the UMTS B1 (2100 MHz) frequency band. This band is utilized for UMTS services. |
| B8 (900 MHz GSM) | UMTS | China Unicom China uses the UMTS band B8 (900 MHz GSM). This frequency band was added to China Unicom China on August 4, 2024. |
Supported UMTS Protocols
| Name | Generation |
|---|---|
| UMTS | 3G |
| HSPA+ | 3.5G (4G speed) |
LTE
| Name | Interface | Description |
|---|---|---|
| B3 (1800 MHz +) | LTE | China Unicom China uses LTE band B3 (1800 MHz +). This frequency band was deployed in 2024. |
| B1 (2100 MHz) | LTE | China Unicom China uses the LTE frequency band B1 (2100 MHz). It was deployed on August 4, 2024. |
| B8 (900 MHz) | LTE | China Unicom China uses LTE B8 (900 MHz). This frequency band was added to China Unicom China on August 4, 2024. |
| B40 (TD 2300 MHz) | LTE | China Unicom China uses the LTE B40 (TD 2300 MHz) frequency band. This band operates within the range of 2300 to 2300 MHz. The deployment of this band is not specified in the provided information. |
Supported LTE Protocols
| Name | Generation |
|---|---|
| LTE | 4G |
5G NR
| Name | Interface | Description |
|---|---|---|
| N1 (2100 MHz) | 5G NR | China Unicom China uses the 5G NR frequency band N1 (2100 MHz). This band covers the frequency range from 1920 to 2170 MHz. The band is used for both uplink and downlink operations, with the uplink ranging from 1920 to 1980 MHz and the downlink ranging from 2110 to 2170 MHz. The duplex spacing for this band is 190 MHz, and it supports channel bandwidths of 5, 10, 15, and 20 MHz. |
| N8 (900 MHz) | 5G NR | China Unicom China uses the 5G NR frequency band N8 (900 MHz). This band was deployed in November 2022. |
| N78 (3500 MHz) | 5G NR | China Unicom China uses the 5G NR band N78, which operates at a frequency of 3500 MHz. This band was added to China Unicom China's network on August 4, 2024. |
Latest updates
- 2024/08/04 - Frequency GSM 900 MHz (E-GSM) removed from China Unicom China.
- 2024/08/04 - Frequency GSM 1800 MHz (DCS) removed from China Unicom China.
- 2024/08/04 - Frequency LTE B41 (TD 2500 MHz) removed from China Unicom China.
- 2024/08/04 - Frequency UMTS B8 (900 MHz GSM) added to China Unicom China.
- 2024/08/04 - Frequency LTE B1 (2100 MHz) added to China Unicom China.
- 2024/08/04 - Frequency LTE B8 (900 MHz) added to China Unicom China.
- 2024/08/04 - Frequency LTE B40 (TD 2300 MHz) added to China Unicom China.
- 2024/08/04 - Frequency 5G NR N1 (2100 MHz) added to China Unicom China.
- 2024/08/04 - Frequency 5G NR N8 (900 MHz) added to China Unicom China.
- 2024/08/04 - Frequency 5G NR N78 (3500 MHz) added to China Unicom China.
