In the "Broadband China" Strategy and Implementation Plan, commonly referred to as the "Implementation Plan," a clear roadmap was laid out for achieving the 2013 targets. With less than 100 days remaining in 2013, how has the progress of this plan been? What challenges have hindered the speed of broadband development during the implementation of the Broadband China initiative? To find out, reporters conducted on-site investigations in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong.
The difficulty of meeting urban and rural broadband goals varies significantly. Mr. Chen, a resident of Xujiahui in Shanghai, has been using a 2M broadband service from China Telecom. A few months ago, he learned that he could upgrade his connection to a 10M fiber service at no cost. He immediately took advantage of the offer. “Same price, no conversion fee, and much faster speed—why wouldn’t you upgrade?†he said. This free “copper-to-fiber†policy is part of telecom companies’ network speed initiatives, reflecting the ongoing advancement of China’s broadband strategy.
Bandwidth, or internet speed, is the primary metric used to measure broadband performance. The "Implementation Plan" designated 2013 as the “Comprehensive Speed-up Phase.†By the end of 2013, it aimed for 80% of urban broadband users to have access to 20Mbps, and 85% of rural users to have access to 4Mbps. Reports from Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong indicated that while urban targets were largely met, rural areas faced greater challenges.
Shanghai’s data at the end of August showed nearly 100% fiber-to-the-home coverage, with a household broadband penetration rate exceeding 60% and an average internet speed surpassing 10Mbps. Beijing Unicom reported that by July 2013, about 77% of households had fiber-optic connections. In Guangdong, as of mid-2013, there were 16 million broadband users, including over 2 million with speeds above 12Mbps. By year-end, the average speed was expected to exceed 8Mbps.
Fiber expansion makes it easier for first-tier cities to meet their targets. However, rural areas face significant pressure. In Guangdong, while cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen lead in broadband development, less-developed regions, especially rural areas, struggle. Most rural broadband access remains between 2Mbps and 4Mbps, with monthly fees ranging from 78 to 88 yuan—a high cost for many families. Unlike urban areas, secondary broadband providers have limited presence in rural markets, where China Telecom holds a near-monopoly. This lack of competition leads to higher prices and fewer choices, making broadband both slow and expensive for rural residents.
What are the main obstacles to improving broadband speed? Operators and consumers often have different perspectives. From the operator’s side, issues such as coverage, access, and property management pose challenges. Since April 2013, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has required new communities to be connected via fiber. However, older residential areas face resistance from property management, which may block fiber upgrades or demand excessive fees.
An industry insider in Beijing revealed that some developers or property companies control broadband services in new neighborhoods, creating barriers for other operators. These entities may charge “entrance fees†or “combination fees,†which are often informal but costly. Such practices can prevent users from accessing the network. In some cases, conflicts between property companies and telecoms result in users losing their service, highlighting deeper struggles over interests and control.
Public resistance also plays a role. Many people are unaware of the benefits of fiber-to-the-home, and concerns about renovation and wiring make the process difficult. In rural areas, funding is a major issue. The return on investment for fiber-to-the-home is much longer in rural regions, making it economically unviable for operators. As a result, many rural areas still rely on slower technologies like ADSL.
At the same time, consumers are dissatisfied with pricing and performance. For example, a 4Mbps package from Guangzhou Telecom costs 1580 yuan annually, while secondary carriers offer similar packages for as low as 480 yuan. Despite potential quality issues, the lower price attracts many users. Additionally, there is a gap between advertised speeds and actual user experience. Complaints about broadband services ranked third in consumer complaints in 2013, with factors like line quality, server load, and network congestion affecting perceived performance.
Reducing broadband costs is crucial. While faster speeds are important, many users prioritize affordability. However, due to the nature of the telecom industry, consumers have limited bargaining power. Even secondary carriers struggle to negotiate better terms. Strengthening regulation and promoting fair competition are essential to ensure a healthy market.
The government has taken steps to address these issues, such as setting broadband speed measurement standards. However, these standards are complex and not widely understood by the public. Without effective enforcement, “false broadband†remains a concern. Consumer trust is key, and more transparency is needed.
In summary, while progress has been made, challenges remain—especially in rural areas. Broadband growth is vital for economic development, and resolving these issues will require collaboration between regulators, operators, and the public. Only then can China fully realize the vision of a fast, affordable, and accessible broadband network.
Paint computer color quality control software，Textile computer color quality control software，Plastic computer color quality control software
CHNSpec Technology (Zhejiang)Co.,Ltd , https://www.chnspec360.com