China Telecom controls the country's largest fixed-line network and is a relative newcomer to the mobile market, in comparison to giants China Unicom and China mobile.

China Unicom's two networks would be separated, with one awarded to each of the fixed-line firms. Each would then be granted a 3g licence allowing it to use one of the international 3g standards.

China Unicom is one of the leading telecommunication operators in China, providing integrated telecommunication service in terms of broadband, fixed-line and mobile communication.