Web Exclusive

Plans for merging networks slated for May

By Cai Muyuan (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-03-18 16:22

The central government's pilot scheme for integrating telecom, broadcasting and Internet networks will be issued in May and initiated in June, Shanghai Securities News reported Thursday, citing Li Yizhong, minister of industry and information technology (MIIT).

Currently, telecom and internet networks are amalgamating successfully, but how to integrate the three networks remains an unsolved problem, the report said.

According to China's management system, telecom and Internet networks are under the MIIT's supervision, while broadcasting and television networks are managed by the Administration of Radio, Film and Television.

According to Li, research on the integration has been carried out over the past more than ten years. "China is now developing and establishing standards of mobile handset television and digital television in an effort to promote the integration," the report said, citing Li.

Li said that the two ministries have reached a consensus, and mapped out a general plan for the integration.

Li revealed that the core of the pilot program is to find a penetration point through which broadcasters can tap certain telecom businesses and State-owned telecom companies can set foot in broadcasting, the report said.

The integration has been written into this year's government work report. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao set forth an ambitious plan during the annual sessions of the NPC and CPPCC for the country to scale the incredible heights of scientific and technological innovation. As part of that plan, Wen also said China will push for substantial progress in the integration of telecom, broadcasting and Internet networks.