(ECNS) – China's three biggest telecom carriers have lowered prices for fixed broadband access services, but their price reduction plans for fourth-generation (4G) wireless access services are yet to materialize. This comes one month after they released plans to speed up Internet access and cut service prices.
China Unicom is offering its existing fixed broadband users free upgrades with faster access. New users can buy fixed broadband services at lower prices, as stipulated in the company's price reduction plans released on May 15.
"Internet access at home is faster, and I hope the price can be further reduced," a user surnamed Wang said.
China Telecom has begun implementing new promotion plans that cut costs for fixed broadband services, but the access speed will depend on the networks that cover a user's community, the company said
In comparison, price reductions for 4G wireless access services are being implemented at a slower pace.
China Mobile users can buy nighttime 4G services at preferential prices that are lower than those previously announced in the company's plans.
China Unicom's 4G promotion plans are yet to be implemented. Meanwhile, China Telecom's programs require users to buy high-end contract mobile phones and 4G packages before they can get an extra nighttime 4G package.
Xiang Ligang, a telecommunications expert and the president of cctime.com, said adjustments to 4G services require more time and effort compared to fixed broadband services.
The three carriers are likely to cut prices by more than 30 percent this year, which will negatively affect their profits to some extent, Xiang said.
This year will be difficult for the carriers, as spending on the construction of 4G networks remains high, which may explain the slow implementation of price-cutting plans, according to some industry insiders.
