MIIT has agreed on the participation in the 5G construction by China Broadcasting and Television Network Co., Ltd., who is also applying for its mobile communication qualification and 5G license. Despite already having a number of options in frequency bands, such as the 700 MHz band, the fact is, the state-owned broadcasting company has always wanted to develop its own mobile communication services.
Before the implementation of this plan, all of china’s three major telecom operators already had their IPTV licenses, but CBTN only had that for fixed telecommunication network, and none for mobile networking. Thus, the 5G license, if approved, will put the four operators to be at the same level in terms of business, which is more conducive to the competition and further integration of the business.
However, there is still a big gap between the telecommunications network and the broadcasting and television network. It will certainly bring many challenges to CBTN in terms of network construction, operation and maintenance, business promotion, and service.