Last updated
    China Telecom
    Telecommunications

    China Telecom

    Taiwan flagTaiwan

    "Trusted service partner in the digital revolution"

    Founded September 10, 2002 Beijing, China
    Community

    About

    China Telecom stands as the principal landline service provider in the People's Republic of China while holding the position of the second-largest mobile telecommunication operator in the nation. The company was incorporated on September 10, 2002, after restructuring the state-owned China Telecommunications Corporation which remains its ultimate parent entity. This transformation turned a monolithic state-run organization into a publicly traded giant listed on both the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

    The corporation manages a vast communication infrastructure with headquarters located at 31 Jinrong Street in Xicheng District, Beijing. Its subscriber base reached over 362 million wireless users by mid-2021, demonstrating the sheer scale of operations across the country. Key leadership roles are appointed by the state-owned enterprise administration, ensuring alignment with national strategic goals for network security and global expansion.

    Recent technological milestones highlight the company's commitment to innovation, including a record hollow-core fiber transmission of 64 Tbps over 1,007 kilometers achieved in late 2026. Beyond domestic connectivity, China Telecom Global provides international network and data center services tailored for businesses operating within and beyond China. Despite facing stiff competition from China Mobile and China Unicom, the brand maintains a dominant market position through extensive investment in artificial intelligence and next-generation network technologies.

    Products & Sub-brands

    Wireline voiceMobile voiceBroadband internet accessCloud computing solutionsData center services5G networksHollow-core fiber optics

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who owns China Telecom?
    China Telecom is owned by the China Telecommunications Corporation, a state-owned enterprise directly controlled by the Chinese government. While it is a publicly traded company on the Shanghai and Hong Kong stock exchanges, the state retains majority control through its parent corporation.
    Is China Telecom sanctioned by the U.S. government?
    Yes, China Telecom is subject to significant restrictions and sanctions by the U.S. government, including bans on providing direct access to U.S. phone numbers and being designated as a 'Communist Chinese Military Company.' These measures restrict its operations within the United States and its ability to connect with American networks.
    What are the top 3 Telecom companies in China?
    The three dominant telecommunications operators in China are China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom. China Mobile is the largest by subscriber count, followed by China Telecom as the second-largest mobile provider and the primary landline operator, with China Unicom rounding out the 'Big Three'.
    Does China Telecom still operate in the U.S.?
    China Telecom's direct consumer operations in the U.S. have been severely curtailed due to federal bans and security concerns. While it previously offered international business services and data center connections, recent 2026 developments confirm the U.S. is actively banning Chinese firms from direct access to U.S. phone numbers and unwinding their presence in U.S. networks.
    What is China Telecom's main business besides mobile phones?
    Beyond mobile services, China Telecom is a leading provider of fixed-line broadband, enterprise cloud computing, data center services, and 5G solutions. It is also a major investor in artificial intelligence infrastructure and high-speed fiber optics, serving both domestic and international corporate clients with integrated information services.

    Keywords

    China Telecomtelecommunicationsstate-owned enterprise5Gfiber opticscloud computingChina Mobile competitorUS sanctionsAI infrastructuredata centers

    Sources

    Company Info

    Founded
    September 10, 2002
    Founder
    China Telecommunications Corporation
    Headquarters
    Beijing, China
    Industry
    Telecommunications
    Parent Company
    China Telecommunications Corporation
    Stock Ticker
    0728.HK
    Wireless Users (Mid-2021)
    Over 362 million
    Fiber Record
    64 Tbps over 1,007 km (Late 2026)

    Official Website

    www.chinatelecom-h.com

    Join the community

    fans discussing