State Council Wants Lower Internet Fees, But Let Market Decide How

China Vows Faster Broadband and Cheaper Internet Charges

The State Council has issued a directive, telling the country's state-run telecommunication sector the average broadband speed has to be increased by some 40-percent.

At the same time, telecom companies are also being told to cut their mobile data charges and offer free upgrades to existing customers.

The statement also says optical and broadband networks will be expanded in the countryside to improve access in 14,000 villages by the end of this year.

However, Premier Li Keqiang says any move by the companies involved should be a market decision, rather than what the government says.

The Chinese article below also highlighted roaming charges overseas. Li discusses how there are 100 million Chinese travelling abroad, a big market, and they're being charged high fees by the telecom firms.

iFeng: 李克强：中国人出国漫游费太贵了 导游随身带Wifi