Recently, three major operators released in succession their performance reports for Q1, 2021. According to the reports, all three operators see larger growth in their revenues and profits. Insiders have commented that the telecommunication industry has welcomed another round of growth after many years. Among others, 5G is undoubtedly a key factor bringing back the “golden age” of the business performance.
Statistics show that in Q1, China Mobile achieved the operating income of 198.4 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 9.5%; net profit: 24.1 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 2.3%. China Telecom achieved the operating income of 106.873 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 12.7%; net profit: 6.441 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 10.6%. China Unicom achieved the operating income of 82.272 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 11.4%; net profit: 3.843 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 21.4%.
Among many other services, 5G service is the most significant driver. As revealed by Yang Jie, chairman of China Mobile, its 5G users’ ARPU improved by 6% than before migration. Statistics show that in Q1, China Unicom’s 5G service achieved the net increase of 21.02 million to 91.85 million package users, effectively driving the increase of ARPU of billed users by 11.5% (year-on-year) to RMB 44.6.