Newly launched telecommunications regulations, which came into force on October 1, have received a cautious welcome from domestic telecom operators. Foreign companies are also showing a keen interest in the regulations and their possible ramifications.
The new rules are the country's most important telecom regulations and the first issued by the State Council.
"It is the prelude for the Telecommunications Law, which is due to be released soon," said Huang Chengqing, a senior official with the Telecom Administration Bureau under the Ministry of Information Industry.
He said the regulations clarified many vague definitions and would ensure a fairer marketplace.
But the new rules do not clarify the specific role foreign companies will play in the expanding field. Huang said another document on that issue would be released by the end of the year.
MII and the State Council will soon elaborate on the new rules.
"China's telecom operators should change their focus from cutting prices to upgrading services," he added.
He said the new regulations were aimed at encouraging domestic telecom firms to improve their competitive edge.
China Unicom, the second biggest mobile telecom company in the country, said it warmly welcomes a fair marketplace in which players could compete equally.
Ericsson, one of the top foreign telecom firms in China, also praised the rules. "Ericsson believes the launch of new rules is an important step forward in building a legal framework for China's information industry," said James Xi, vice-president of Ericsson (China) Co Ltd.
(China Daily 10/11/2000)
