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China Telecom
China Telecom Corporation
China Telecom is one of the world’s largest mobile operators, serving around 416 million subscribers, with legacy CDMA2000 services and nationwide 4G LTE and 5G networks.
China Telecom 4G and 5G network coverage across China and Macau as of 2026
China Telecom Corporation Limited operates as one of China's three state-owned mobile and wireline carriers, serving 424.52 million mobile subscribers with 5G coverage across more than 300 cities as of end-2024. Average download speeds reach 96.5 Mbps, and the network extends into Macau through licensed partnerships. This review covers network performance, customer service channels, value-added features, and a head-to-head comparison with China Mobile and China Unicom.
China Telecom Corporation Limited (中国电信股份有限公司) operates as China's second-largest state-owned digital information services provider, holding dual stock listings on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE: 601728) and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX: 728), serving 424.52 million mobile subscribers, 197.4 million wireline broadband subscribers, and 351.48 million 5G package subscribers as of year-end 2024, according to the China Telecom Investor Factsheet published April 2025.
China Telecom delivers nationwide 4G coverage and 5G service across 300-plus cities, with average download speeds of 96.5 Mbps and upload speeds of 21.7 Mbps. The carrier's 5G network penetration rate among its mobile subscriber base reached 59.1% as of end-2024, and China's total 5G base stations exceeded 4.838 million nationwide by year-end 2025, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology report published January 2026.
This review examines China Telecom's network coverage and speed test results across Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou; customer service channels including a 24-hour global hotline and in-app support; value-added services spanning international roaming, eSIM availability, and the Tianyi loyalty program; and a competitive comparison against China Mobile and China Unicom. Readers seeking to evaluate China Telecom against its direct rivals will find a structured comparison table, verified performance data, and image prompts for each visual section.
Compare China Mobile's full carrier review and China Unicom's network and pricing overview for additional mobile carrier options in China.
China Telecom covers over 95% of administrative villages with 5G service, extending 4G across all urban counties and towns in mainland China. China's 5G infrastructure surpassed its 14th Five-Year Plan deployment targets by year-end 2025, with 5G-A (5G-Advanced) service reaching more than 330 cities nationwide, according to Xinhua News Agency reporting on Ministry of Industry and Information Technology data published January 2026.
Urban centers including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu receive the highest signal density, supported by dedicated millimeter-wave and sub-6 GHz deployments. Rural and mountainous regions across provinces such as Yunnan, Guizhou, and Tibet benefit from continued 4G LTE expansion under national universal service obligations. China Telecom also serves Macau through roaming agreements and its regional subsidiary infrastructure, providing 4G and 5G connectivity to subscribers traveling between mainland China and Macau.
China Telecom operates 4G LTE networks on Band 3 (1800 MHz), Band 39 (TD 1900 MHz), and Band 41 (TD 2600 MHz), while its 5G NR deployment uses Sub-6 GHz spectrum on n41 (2.6 GHz), n78 (3.5 GHz), and n79 (4.9 GHz) bands. The company's 5G package subscriber penetration rate reached 59.1% of its total mobile base by end-2024, with 351.48 million 5G package subscribers, according to the China Telecom Investor Factsheet published April 2025.
China's collective 5G base station count reached 4.838 million by year-end 2025, translating to 34.4 base stations per 10,000 people, exceeding the national planning target by 8.4 units per 10,000 population, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. China Telecom, alongside China Mobile and China Unicom, shares a portion of this infrastructure through approved network-sharing arrangements, maximizing geographic 5G reach across all 34 provincial-level administrative regions.
5G-A service extended to more than 330 cities across China by end-2025, enabling enhanced mobile broadband, ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC) use cases in industrial zones, smart cities including Hangzhou and Xiamen, and major transportation hubs.
China Telecom delivers an average download speed of 96.5 Mbps and an average upload speed of 21.7 Mbps with a latency of 141 ms across its national network, according to TestMy.net speed test aggregated data. China ranked 21st globally for mobile speeds as of January 2026, according to the Ookla Speedtest Global Index.
Location | Download (Mbps) | Upload (Mbps) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
Beijing | 98.3 | 23.1 | TestMy.net / Ookla Speedtest Global Index, January 2026 |
Shanghai | 102.7 | 24.5 | TestMy.net / Ookla Speedtest Global Index, January 2026 |
Guangzhou | 95.8 | 21.4 | TestMy.net / Ookla Speedtest Global Index, January 2026 |
China Telecom speed test results across Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou — January 2026
Learn more about 5G network performance in China for detailed technical comparisons across all major carriers.
China Telecom Corporation Limited was established in 2002 as a state-owned joint-stock limited company incorporated in the People's Republic of China. Its principal businesses span mobile communications, wireline communications, satellite communications, Internet access, cloud computing and computing power, Big Data, AI, quantum communications, and ICT integration services, according to the China Telecom Investor Factsheet published April 2025.
The company reported operating revenues of RMB 529,417 million (approximately USD 73.1 billion) in 2024, representing a 3.1% year-on-year increase, with a net profit attributable to equity holders of RMB 33,012 million — an 8.4% increase over 2023. Total market capitalisation stood at RMB 623.1 billion as of December 31, 2024. China Telecom Cloud, the company's cloud computing arm, generated revenue of RMB 113.9 billion in 2024, growing 17.1% year-on-year, according to the same Investor Factsheet.
The parent entity of China Telecom Corporation Limited is China Telecommunications Corporation, a central state-owned enterprise supervised by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the State Council of the People's Republic of China. The company's A-shares trade on the Shanghai Stock Exchange under ticker 601728, and its H-shares trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under ticker 728.
China Telecom operates six customer service channels available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, including a domestic hotline, a global hotline, in-store service, mobile app support, online chat, and email, accessible to subscribers across mainland China and internationally. The company's service philosophy is "Customer First, Service Foremost," and it maintains dedicated regional hotlines for key international markets, according to the China Telecom Asia Pacific Global Customer Service Hotline page.
Domestic Hotline (Mainland China): Dial 10000 — available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, in Mandarin and regional dialects
Global Customer Service Hotline (Hong Kong): +852 3100 0000 — available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week for pre-sales, sales, and after-sales inquiries
Email Support: ir@chinatelecom-h.com for investor and enterprise inquiries; regional support emails via the official portal at chinatelecom-h.com contact page
Physical Store Network: Tianyi (天翼) branded service halls located across all 34 provincial-level administrative regions, with major hubs in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou
Mobile App Support (Tianyi App / 天翼生活 App): In-app chat, ticket submission, and self-service data management — rated 4.2 stars on the Apple App Store and 4.1 stars on Android platforms
Online Portal: Self-service account management, bill payment, and plan modification available at chinatelecom.com.cn with Chinese-language interface
China Telecom customer service channels and availability — 2026
Compare customer service options for major Chinese carriers in our comprehensive carrier support comparison guide.
China Telecom provides these value-added digital services for subscribers:
International Roaming: Available in more than 200 countries and territories across six continents, including Europe, the Americas, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania, enabling voice, SMS, and data roaming for traveler and enterprise subscribers
Tianyi App Key Features (天翼生活): Real-time data usage monitoring, online bill payment, mobile plan upgrade and modification, customer support chat, store locator, rewards points tracking, device trade-in service, and one-tap top-up for prepaid accounts
eSIM Support: China Telecom supports eSIM activation on compatible devices including Apple iPhone XS and later models, select Samsung Galaxy handsets, and Huawei Mate series devices; activation is available through the Tianyi App or authorized service halls
Tianyi Loyalty Program (天翼积分): Subscribers earn points based on monthly spending thresholds, redeemable for data packages, voice minutes, merchandise from partner retailers, and entertainment credits on Tianyi Video (天翼视讯) streaming platform
Satellite Communications: China Telecom offers handset direct-to-satellite services with more than 2.40 million active subscribers as of end-2024, enabling connectivity in areas outside terrestrial network reach, according to the China Telecom Investor Factsheet published April 2025
IoT Connectivity: The company manages 630 million IoT subscriber connections as of end-2024, supporting smart city infrastructure, connected vehicles, and industrial automation deployments across mainland China
5G Cloud Gaming and Tianyi Video: 5G-enabled cloud gaming, 4K and 8K video streaming, and VR content services delivered via the Tianyi Video platform, integrated with smart home (Smart Family) broadband packages
China Telecom Tianyi App (天翼生活) interface and key self-service features — 2026
Discover more about eSIM technology and activation steps for modern connectivity options across China's major carriers.
China Telecom key advantages and disadvantages for subscribers — 2026
Extensive 5G Urban Deployment: 5G service covers more than 300 cities and has reached 5G-A stage in 330-plus cities by end-2025, with 4.838 million total 5G base stations nationwide — 34.4 per 10,000 people — according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, January 2026
Massive Subscriber Scale And Reliability: 424.52 million mobile subscribers and 197.4 million wireline broadband subscribers provide network investment scale that supports continuous infrastructure improvement, with operating revenues of RMB 529,417 million in 2024, according to the China Telecom Investor Factsheet published April 2025
Integrated Satellite And Terrestrial Coverage: More than 2.40 million handset direct-to-satellite subscribers benefit from coverage in areas beyond terrestrial 4G reach — a unique advantage among Chinese domestic carriers, according to the same Investor Factsheet
High-Speed Broadband Bundling: Wireline broadband blended ARPU of RMB 47.6 and approximately 30% of broadband subscribers on gigabit-tier plans deliver a competitive Smart Family package combining home broadband, IPTV, and mobile services
High Average Latency On Mobile Network: The national average mobile latency of 141 ms — recorded across aggregated TestMy.net data — exceeds the performance benchmarks of leading carriers in neighboring markets such as South Korea (averaging 28 ms) and Japan (averaging 33 ms)
Chinese-Language Interface Dominance: The Tianyi App, the primary self-service portal (chinatelecom.com.cn), and the majority of physical service hall staff operate exclusively in Mandarin Chinese, creating a friction point for non-Chinese-speaking enterprise and expatriate subscribers
Macau Service Dependency On Roaming Agreements: China Telecom does not operate its own licensed mobile network in Macau SAR; instead, subscribers use roaming arrangements, which can result in higher per-unit data costs and reduced access to local Macau promotions compared to CTM (Companhia de Telecomunicações de Macau) subscribers
China's mobile market is dominated by three state-owned carriers — China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom — operating under licenses issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. China Mobile holds the largest subscriber base, while China Telecom differentiates itself through superior wireline broadband penetration, satellite communications, and its rapidly growing cloud and AI division (China Telecom Cloud). China Unicom, the smallest of the three by mobile subscribers, has aggressively expanded 5G through infrastructure-sharing agreements with China Telecom.
Feature | China Telecom | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Mobile Subscribers (Million) | 424.52 (end-2024) | ~1,000 (largest in world) | ~340 (H1 2025) |
5G Package Subscribers (Million) | 351.48 (end-2024) | ~570 (estimated, end-2024) | 213.5 (H1 2025) |
Avg Download Speed (Mbps) | 96.5 | ~110 (national estimate) | ~88 (national estimate) |
5G Cities Covered | 300+ (5G-A: 330+) | 300+ (shared infrastructure) | 300+ (shared with China Telecom) |
Wireline Broadband Subscribers (Million) | 197.4 (end-2024) | >300 (market leader) | ~100 (estimated) |
Stock Listing | SSE: 601728; HKEX: 728 | HKEX: 941; NYSE: CHL | HKEX: 762; SSE: 600050 |
Satellite Coverage | Yes (2.40M+ subscribers) | Yes (limited) | No |
Cloud Revenue (RMB Billion) | 113.9 (+17.1% YoY, 2024) | ~108 (estimated) | ~46 (estimated) |
China Telecom vs China Mobile vs China Unicom — key performance metrics comparison 2024–2025
China Telecom delivers the strongest position in satellite communications and wireline broadband bundling for home and enterprise segments. China Mobile holds the largest mobile subscriber base and widest rural 4G reach. China Unicom suits subscribers in northern China and those prioritizing infrastructure-sharing 5G cost advantages. Read the detailed China Telecom vs China Mobile comparison or explore China Unicom's full carrier review for alternative options.
China Telecom operates 5G service across more than 300 cities in China, with 5G-A (5G-Advanced) coverage extending to more than 330 cities by end-2025. The carrier's 5G package subscriber penetration rate reached 59.1% of its 424.52 million total mobile subscribers as of year-end 2024. National 5G infrastructure exceeded 4.838 million base stations by end-2025, translating to 34.4 base stations per 10,000 people, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, January 2026.
China Telecom delivers an average download speed of 96.5 Mbps and an average upload speed of 21.7 Mbps across its national network, with a latency of 141 ms. City-level performance peaks in Shanghai at 102.7 Mbps download and 24.5 Mbps upload, followed by Beijing at 98.3 Mbps download and 23.1 Mbps upload, and Guangzhou at 95.8 Mbps download and 21.4 Mbps upload, according to aggregated TestMy.net speed test data. China ranked 21st globally for mobile speeds as of January 2026, per the Ookla Speedtest Global Index.
China Telecom covers all 34 provincial-level administrative regions in mainland China with 4G LTE service, and extends 5G to more than 300 cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu. Rural 5G coverage reaches more than 95% of administrative villages nationwide as of end-2025. Satellite communications supplement terrestrial coverage in remote mountainous provinces such as Yunnan, Tibet, and Qinghai, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, January 2026.
China Telecom customer service is reachable by dialing 10000 within mainland China (24 hours per day, 7 days per week) or +852 3100 0000 for the international hotline from Hong Kong and global locations. Additional contact channels include in-app support through the Tianyi App (天翼生活), online self-service at chinatelecom.com.cn, email at ir@chinatelecom-h.com for enterprise and investor inquiries, and walk-in service at Tianyi service halls across all 34 provinces, according to China Telecom Asia Pacific's global customer service page.
China Telecom supports eSIM activation on compatible devices including Apple iPhone XS and newer models, select Samsung Galaxy handsets, and Huawei Mate series smartphones. Subscribers activate eSIM profiles through the Tianyi App (天翼生活) or at authorized Tianyi service halls. The eSIM activation process requires identity verification using a valid Chinese national ID or passport for foreign nationals, and the activated profile supports both 4G LTE and 5G NR connectivity where network coverage is available.
China Telecom international roaming covers more than 200 countries and territories across six continents, including Europe, North America, South America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania. Voice, SMS, and mobile data roaming services are available, with dedicated data roaming packages designed for frequent business travelers. China Telecom Global provides specialized enterprise roaming products for corporate subscribers operating in multiple markets, accessible through the China Telecom Global customer service hotline page.
China Mobile leads in total mobile subscribers (approximately 1 billion) and rural 4G reach, while China Telecom leads in wireline broadband subscriber density (197.4 million), satellite communications (2.40 million+ direct-to-satellite subscribers), and cloud revenue growth rate (17.1% year-on-year in 2024). China Telecom's average download speed of 96.5 Mbps slightly trails China Mobile's national estimate of approximately 110 Mbps. Both carriers share 5G infrastructure in selected regions, giving them equivalent geographic 5G reach in cities above county level, according to the China Telecom Investor Factsheet published April 2025.
China Telecom's most distinctive feature is its integrated satellite and terrestrial network, enabling handset direct-to-satellite connectivity for more than 2.40 million subscribers in areas beyond conventional 4G reach — a capability unavailable on China Unicom's network. This feature combines with 5G-A deployment in 330-plus cities and 630 million IoT connections to position China Telecom as the leading carrier for industrial digitalization, smart city deployments, and remote area connectivity, according to the China Telecom Investor Factsheet published April 2025.
China Telecom Corporation Limited delivers reliable 5G coverage across 300-plus cities, 96.5 Mbps average speeds, and satellite connectivity for remote areas — making it the strongest choice for enterprise subscribers and wireline broadband-focused households in mainland China and Macau.
Explore more mobile carrier options through our complete China carrier directory or learn how to choose the right carrier for your connectivity needs.
Sources:
China Telecom Corporation Limited, Investor Factsheet, April 2025
Xinhua News Agency, "China's 5G Base Stations Top 4.83 Million by End of 2025," January 28, 2026
China Telecom Corporation — Official Website (chinatelecom.com.cn)
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