Rethinking the Global Mobile Internet Speed: Responsibilities of Operators and Regulators
As the world progresses into advanced mobile communication technologies, questions arise regarding the pace of development in various countries, with a particular focus on China. The transition into the 3G era has been sluggish, prompting a critical examination of the roles played by telecom operators and regulatory bodies.
Reports from authoritative organizations indicate that, as of 2010, the average mobile internet connection speed in China was a mere 50Kbps, placing it among the lowest globally. In stark contrast, countries like Japan and South Korea boasted speeds averaging 1400Kbps, significantly outpacing China’s mobile internet capabilities.
While the data from 2010 may seem outdated today, it underscores a pressing issue: the speed of mobile internet in China is considerably lagging, and the costs associated with it are perceived as excessively high. This situation raises fundamental questions about the factors contributing to China's slow progress in mobile internet speed.
One major factor is the delayed rollout of 3G networks in China. While many regions worldwide embraced 3G technology, a significant portion of China's mobile phone users remained reliant on 2G services. As of early this year, China Mobile, the largest telecom operator in the country, had only managed to attract approximately 54 million 3G subscribers out of a total of 655 million users, highlighting that less than 10% of its customer base had transitioned to 3G.
Despite nearly 1 billion mobile phone users in China, only around 135 million are utilizing 3G networks. This statistic paints a stark picture of the current state of mobile internet in the country, suggesting that it is still largely operating within the confines of 2G technology. Even among the limited number of 3G users, inconsistent access to the network due to infrastructure challenges further complicates the situation.
The slow adoption of 3G technology in China can be attributed to several factors, including the late issuance of 3G licenses, which did not occur until January 2009. This delay was partly due to the need for the TD-SCDMA technology, which is based on China’s independent intellectual property rights, to mature. Although three years have passed since the licenses were issued, the growth in 3G subscribers has been disappointingly slow, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the competitive landscape among the major telecom operators.
Historically, during the 2G era, China experienced rapid growth in mobile communications, with users increasing at an unprecedented rate. However, the introduction of competition among the three major telecom operators in the 3G era has led to a decline in this growth rate. This raises critical questions about whether the oligopolistic nature of the market is hindering competition or if the existing technology, services, and infrastructure are insufficient to support a robust mobile internet environment. Additionally, the lack of effective policy measures, such as number portability, may further exacerbate these challenges.
Looking ahead, some analysts predict that 2012 may mark a turning point for China’s 3G market, potentially leading to a surge in adoption and usage. While there is optimism about reaching a critical mass of 3G users, it is essential to remain cautious. Many countries are already advancing towards 4G technologies, underscoring the need for China to accelerate its progress and not fall behind in the global mobile internet race.
In conclusion, the responsibility to enhance mobile internet speed and accessibility lies with both telecom operators and regulatory authorities. A comprehensive evaluation of current practices, infrastructure development, and competitive strategies is crucial for fostering a more dynamic and efficient mobile internet environment in China. As the global landscape continues to evolve, proactive measures are necessary to ensure that users in China can fully benefit from the advancements in mobile communications.
