China to Merge Phone, TV, and Internet Networks by 2015

According to the “2010 Mass Communication Bluebook” released by the Chinese Social Science Academy, the State Council Standing Committee decided to merge the business scope of the three network industries – telecommunications, broadcasting (radio and TV), and the Internet. Telecommunication companies will be allowed to be involved in production and broadcasting of TV/radio programs; while TV/radio networks may also begin operation of some basic or value-added telecommunication business. The Committee also planned the stages of the merge: 2010 through 2012 would be the trial period; 2013 through 2015 would be the promotion of the merge on a larger scale to promote certain competition and to set up corresponding institutions and regulatory bodies for the merged business models of the three networks.