(SinoCast via NewsEdge) China is considering a plan to combine the country's telecom, Internet, and cable networks, a government agency said.
The comprehensive planning division of China's Information Industry Ministry said it will communicate and work with related ministries and divisions in a bid to accelerate the issuance of policies regarding the plan.
The ministry also said it plans to optimize the nation's telecom infrastructure construction as part of a five-year plan to improve China's converged network.
If the plan to converged all three networks is completed, about 200 billion yuan ($25.8 billion) is estimated to be saved a year due to a decrease of redundant construction.
The revenue from the combined networks' media and entertainment business is predicted to reach roughly 120 billion yuan ($15.5 billion) in 2008.
The ministry also said the government is striving to achieve a balanced development of its telecom, Internet and cable industries.
Regulators are expected to issue policies regarding the convergence plan "soon," the ministry also said.
Among the policies expected to be issued include trial operations, frequency and related policy research.
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