CHONGQING -- About 39,000 5G base stations had been built in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality by the end of last year as the city beefs up its digital infrastructure construction, local authorities said Thursday.

The 5G service has covered all major areas in the city, benefiting over 4.8 million people, said mayor Tang Liangzhi in his government work report delivered Thursday at the fourth session of the 5th People's Congress of the Chongqing Municipality.

This year, the city is expected to bring its total number of 5G base stations to 60,000 and enhance the integration of 5G technology with industrial development, according to the report.

China had set up 718,000 5G base stations as of November last year, according to Liu Liehong, vice-minister of industry and information technology.