China Mobile, the mainland's largest mobile-phone operator, has posted a profit rise of nearly 8 percent in the first-half.

Net income was nearly 19 billion yuan, or 2 billion US dollars. Sales rose 13 percent to 86 billion yuan 10 billion US dollars.

The company increased the number of customers by 23 percent to nearly 160 million, after offering cheaper packages aimed at rural residents who often cannot afford standard rates.

Profits grew slower than sales because new subscribers used phones less, or chose cheaper prepaid options over monthly packages.

(CRI August 20, 2004)