Overview of China Telecom
China Telecommunications Corporation is the largest basic network operator in China, formerly the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications' Telecommunications Bureau. In 2024, it has 425 million mobile users (net increase of 16.75 million), 351 million 5G data plan users (net increase of 32.82 million), and 197 million fixed broadband users (net increase of 7.28 million). China Telecom has built the world's largest NB-IoT commercial network with over 400,000 base stations covering the entire country; it cooperates with more than 200 operators globally to provide international roaming. The Tianyi Cloud IoT platform has connected over 300 million devices and processes more than 10 billion messages daily.
Development History and Milestones
Before 1999: The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications had an exclusive monopoly; after the establishment of China Unicom in 1994, competition was introduced into the telecom market.
1999-2008: First split in 1999, followed by another reorganization in 2001; China Telecommunications Corporation was established, focusing on the southern fixed network.
2009-2018: Developed IoT business in 2009; obtained CDMA 3G license; acquired LTE FDD 4G license in 2013; built the world's largest NB-IoT network.
2019 to present: 5G commercial launch in 2019; continuous expansion of the Tianyi IoT platform; NB-IoT smart water meters cover over 200 cities; 5G+ industrial internet solutions implemented; IoT security system improved.
Basic information of China Telecom (2024)
- Founded: 2000 (China Telecommunications Corporation)
- Headquarters: Beijing
- Listed: Shanghai, Hong Kong, New York
- Mobile users: 425 million (net increase of 16.75 million)
- 5G data plan users: 351 million (net increase of 32.82 million)
- Wired broadband: 197 million (net increase of 7.28 million)
- NB-IoT base stations: over 400,000, the largest in the world
- Tianyi IoT platform: connected devices over 300 million
- International Roaming: Cooperation with 200+ Operators Worldwide
IoT Layout and Security Advantages
China Telecom's strategic layout in the IoT field reflects the vision of a "Network Power, Digital China." Since 2009, it has deployed IoT, forming a complete industrial chain from network connection, platform services to industry applications. It plays a leading role in NB-IoT, having built the world's largest commercial NB-IoT network, and actively participates in international standard-setting. As a large state-owned operator, China Telecom has unique advantages in IoT security, establishing a comprehensive network security protection system, providing end-to-end security from network access to data transmission to application services, and playing a key role in important areas such as smart government, fintech, and energy power.
Technological Innovation and Standards Leadership
Core Technological Achievements
- NB-IoT Network Optimization: World's first NB-IoT network deep optimization technology
- eSIM Technology: Promoting eSIM applications in areas such as the Internet of Vehicles and consumer electronics
- 5G Slicing: 5G network slicing technology for vertical industries
- Edge Computing: Construction of MEC multi-access edge computing platforms
- AI Capability: Application of artificial intelligence in network operation and business optimization
- Blockchain: Application of blockchain technology in IoT security and data ownership confirmation
Tianyi Cloud IoT Platform
Tianyi Cloud IoT Platform is a full-stack IoT platform independently developed by China Telecom, providing full lifecycle services including device access, device management, data analysis, and application development. The platform adopts a cloud-native architecture, supports multiple communication protocols, and has strong horizontal scalability. As of now, the platform has connected over 300 million devices, processes more than 10 billion messages daily, and provides strong technical support for digital transformation across various industries.
Multi-Protocol Access
Supports multiple network types and communication protocols such as NB-IoT, LTE Cat.1, and 5G
Massive data processing
Distributed architecture, supporting PB-level data storage and real-time processing
Intelligent Analytics
Built-in machine learning algorithms, providing predictive analysis and intelligent decision-making
Enterprise-level security
Multi-layer security protection, meeting high security level requirements for finance, government, etc.
Industry solutions and cases
China Telecom has accumulated rich project experience in multiple industries including smart cities, industrial internet, smart agriculture, and vehicle networking. The company provides customized IoT solutions for customers by deeply understanding industry needs and leveraging its own network and technical advantages. In the field of smart water services, China Telecom's NB-IoT smart water meter solution has covered more than 200 cities nationwide; in the field of industrial internet, the company's 5G+ industrial internet solutions for manufacturing enterprises have significantly improved production efficiency and quality control levels.
Network technology advantages
The world's largest NB-IoT network
Built the world's largest NB-IoT network, with over 400,000 base stations, covering the entire country
Network is secure and reliable
Professional-grade network security assurance, supporting VPN private networks and network slicing
International roaming capability
Cooperation with over 200 operators worldwide, providing global IoT connectivity services
End-to-end services
Providing full-stack IoT solutions from connectivity to platform to applications
Technical Standard Support
| Network standards | Coverage status | Technical Features | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2G GSM | Maintain the current network | Wide coverage, low power consumption | Traditional M2M applications |
| 3G CDMA | Gradually phase out the network | Medium speed | Voice + data services |
| 4G LTE | Nationwide coverage | High-speed data transmission | Video surveillance, Internet of Vehicles |
| NB-IoT | Nationwide deep coverage | Low power consumption with wide coverage | Smart metering, environmental monitoring |
| 5G | Key cities | Ultra-low latency | Industrial Internet, Autonomous Driving |
Product Service System
Connected Products
IoT SIM Cards
- Standard Card: Mini, Micro, Nano Specifications
- SMD Card: Industrial Grade Soldered SIM Card
- eSIM: Embedded programmable SIM
- Soft SIM: Software-defined SIM solution
Private network services
- APN private network: Independent access point configuration
- VPN private network: Encrypted tunnel transmission
- Dedicated line access: Physical dedicated line connection
- Network Slicing: 5G Network Slicing Service
Platform Services
Tianyi IoT Cloud Platform
- Device Management: Lifecycle Management
- Connection Management: SIM Card Status Management
- Data Services: Data Storage and Analysis
- Application Enablement: API and SDK Support
Industry Application Platform
- Smart City Platform: Urban Integrated Management
- Industrial Internet Platform: Manufacturing Digitalization
- Agricultural IoT Platform: Smart Agriculture Solutions
- Vehicle IoT Platform: Intelligent Transportation Services
Pricing
NB-IoT data plan
| Data Plan Types | Monthly Data Usage | Monthly Fee | Applicable scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic data plan | 1MB | 5 yuan | Meter Reading, Positioning |
| Standard data plan | 5MB | 15 yuan | Environmental monitoring |
| Enhanced data plan | 20MB | 50 RMB | Smart Devices |
4G/5G data plan
- Pay-as-you-go: Starting from 0.1 RMB/MB, suitable for testing and low-traffic applications
- Monthly data plan: 10 RMB/10MB up to 500 RMB/10GB with multiple options
- Data pool: Multiple cards sharing, unified management, reducing costs
- Year Package Data Plan: Prepaid Annual Package, Enjoy Price Discounts
Industry Solutions
Smart city
- Smart street lights, smart parking, environmental monitoring
- Smart water meters covering 200+ cities
- Municipal management, pipeline network monitoring
Industrial Manufacturing
- Equipment monitoring, energy management
- Safety production, quality traceability
- 5G + Industrial Internet solutions
Agricultural modernization
- Precision agriculture, livestock management
- Greenhouse, agricultural machinery monitoring
- Agricultural product traceability, cold chain management
Intelligent transportation
- Vehicle networking, logistics tracking
- Public transportation, traffic management
- In-vehicle information services, remote diagnostics
Technical Service Support
Connectivity Services
- Network Coverage Testing: On-site signal testing and optimization suggestions
- Connection Debugging: Device network onboarding debugging and troubleshooting
- Performance Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of connection quality
- Fault Handling: 7×24-hour technical support
Platform Services
- Platform Integration: API interface development and integration support
- Data Services: Data analysis and custom report creation
- Application Development: Custom application development
- Training Services: Technical Training and Certification
Project Implementation
- Solution Design: Overall Solution Design
- Project Management: Professional Project Team Support
- System Integration: End-to-End System Integration Implementation
- Operation and Maintenance Services: System Operation and Technical Support
Partnership Ecosystem
Industry Chain Collaboration
Chip manufacturers: Huawei HiSilicon, Qualcomm, MediaTek, UNISOC
Module manufacturers: Quectel, Fibocom, Youfang Technology, Meig Smart
Terminal manufacturers: Hundreds of IoT terminal partners
Platform providers: Alibaba Cloud, Huawei Cloud, Tencent Cloud, and other cloud service providers
Industry partners
System integrators: Provide industry solutions and implementation services
Software developers: Develop vertical industry application software
Device Manufacturers: Smart Device and Sensor Vendors
Service Providers: Operations and Maintenance Services and Technical Support
Competitive Advantages
Network Leadership
The world's largest NB-IoT network, industry-leading in coverage depth and breadth
Technological Innovation
Continuous innovation and standard-setting in new technologies such as NB-IoT and 5G
Safe and Reliable
Enterprise-level security protection, meeting industry and government security requirements
Global Services
International roaming and global connectivity management capabilities, supporting enterprises going overseas
Complete ecosystem
A complete industrial chain ecosystem, providing end-to-end solutions
Development Strategy
- Network upgrade: Continuously optimize 4G networks, accelerate 5G network construction and applications
- Platform enhancement: Improve IoT platform functions, enhance data processing and AI capabilities
- Ecosystem Expansion: Deepen industry chain cooperation and build an open and win-win ecosystem
- Industry Penetration: Focus on key industries, create benchmark cases and replicable models
- Internationalization: Expand overseas markets and provide global IoT services