China Telecom to Roll Out Smartphones With 5G-Powered Messaging

China Telecom plans to issue two smartphones onto the market equipped with a 5G-enabled messaging service, making it the first of the major state-owned mobile carriers to bring the technology to market, even as questions persist about its likelihood of mass adoption.

The company’s self-branded Tianyi No. 1 and Maimang 10 phones will come with the rich communications service (RCS), Zhang Xiaojun, deputy head of China Telecom’s marketing division, said at a launch event on Tuesday. No release date was specified.