China Unicom and Huawei have signed an agreement on 5G network slicing to jointly carry out research, demonstration, and application of 5G network slicing. Network slicing is a key native capability of 5G, which can maximize the efficiency of communications networks and reduce network construction and O&M costs. 

The companies plan to  develop key technologies and solutions for China Unicom's 5G network slicing services and applications, jointly promote industry chain development, and apply slices to more vertical industry markets, such as VR/AR games, industrial control, Internet of Vehicles (IoV), and the Internet of Things (IoT).

China Unicom and Huawei aim to jointly build a new 5G slicing ecosystem in 2018 and 2019, for the purpose of formulating the 5G blueprint, creating completely new markets for 5G.

2018 will be the year of 5G commercial use. 5G will be put into commercial use in several cities in China. Multiple operators outside China are also preparing for pilots before commercial use. Network slicing is the key innovation and application of 5G networks.