China - Regulatory Environment

Synopsis

The importance of the regulatory regime must not be underestimated in a market like China, where political and commercial considerations are closely intertwined. Efforts in reform have addressed the separation of administrative and enterprise functions, the dissolution of monopolies and the promotion of competition. The government at times takes a light-handed role – such as turning its eyes away from Xiaolingtong (Little Smart) PAS encroachment in urban areas – or a stern approach, making challenging demands on foreign participation in the local market. It has also been severe on its regulation of the Internet. This report looks at the regulatory environment in China’s telecom sector.

Table of Contents

• 1. Synopsis
  
• 2. Regulatory environment
  
  • 2.1 Overview
    
  • 2.2 The regulator – Ministry of Information Industry (MII)
    
    • 2.2.1 State Standardization Administration
      
    • 2.2.2 State Telecommunications Management Commission
      
    • 2.2.3 MII Expansion
      
  • 2.3 Competition
    
  • 2.4 Liberalisation
    
    • 2.4.1 Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (QFII)
      
  • 2.5 Restructuring of the telecommunications operators in China
    
    • 2.5.1 Break up of China Telecom
      
  • 2.6 World Trade Organization (WTO) accession
    
    • 2.6.1 Final concessions
      
    • 2.6.2 Foreign investment after WTO accession
      
    • 2.6.3 Initial impact
      
  • 2.7 Telecom regulatory legislation
    
    • 2.7.1 Role of the MII
      
    • 2.7.2 Operators
      
    • 2.7.3 Foreign participation
      
    • 2.7.4 Private Bank Exchange (PBX) operators
      
    • 2.7.5 Service quality and universal service
      
    • 2.7.6 Service charges
      
    • 2.7.7 Other issues
      
  • 2.8 Tariffs
    
  • 2.9 Calling-Party-Pays (CPP)
    
  • 2.10 Service quality
    
  • 2.11 Telecom equipment market regulations
    
    • 2.11.1 Telecom equipment Network Access Licence
      
  • 2.12 Reorganisation of fee structures
    
• 3. Yearly summaries of major regulatory developments
  
  • 3.1 Year 2008
    
  • 3.2 Year 2007
    
  • 3.3 Year 2006
    
  • 3.4 Year 2005
    
  • 3.5 Year 2004
    
  • 3.6 Year 2003
    
• 4. Related reports