The number of fixed and mobile phone subscribers in China reached a record of 692 million at the end of May, according to the latest figures released by the Ministry of Information Industry.

This is a net increase of nearly 45 million in the first five months this year.

The number of mobile phone subscribers rose 24 million in the first five months, for a total of 360 million.

Though facing increased competition from mobile communications, the number of fixed-line subscribers rose over 20 million to 333 million at the end of May.

(CCTV June 22, 2005)