State Council Announces 'Broadband China' Plan

On August 17th, the State Council announced its long awaited "Broadband China" national plan aimed at increasing urban and rural broadband national coverage by 2020. The plan details an implementation timetable to be carried out in three phases. 

• Phase I (2013): Extend 3G mobile network coverage and increase broadband Internet speeds.
• Phase II (2014-2015): Improve broadband network speed and coverage. 
• Phase III (2016-2020): Optimize broadband network and upgrade technology to improve service quality and global competitiveness.

The plan states that government will offer fiscal support and tax deductions, but stops short of offering government financial assistance for technology investment. For more details, please refer to the "Broadband China" plan (in Chinese).