The competitive landscape of China’s telecommunications industry: Is there a need for further regulatory reform?

This paper evaluates the current regulatory status of China’s telecommunications industry in relation to China’s antimonopoly enforcement. It analyzes the difference of telecoms reform models in OECD countries and China, and highlights the important role of independent regulation, in particular given the concern about administrative monopolies in China’s telecoms industry. It questions the effectiveness of the new antimonopoly law alone in promoting telecoms competition by addressing three major issues in the sector: administrative monopoly, market competition and ownership. In conclusion, it suggests the need for further regulatory reform and calls for formal empirical research to provide more compelling evidence.

► This study highlights the important role of independent regulation, in particular given the concern about administrative monopolies in China’s telecoms industry.
► Three major issues are addressed in relation to the new AML.
► Needs further regulatory reform in China's telecoms.