The cost of mobile data in China ranks 53rd in the world, with the country experiencing a decrease in data costs for six consecutive years, local media is reporting.
The National Development and Reform Commission today released its first report on consumer development in the country, documenting that the price of fixed-line broadband has also fallen during the same period.
According to the report, monthly revenue per user from fixed broadband dropped by 18% in 2017, while mobile data revenue decreased by almost 52%.
Chinese carriers impose additional fees on individuals using mobile services outside of the province in which their SIM card is registered. The report includes proposals to do away with these roaming fees, as well as expanding access to free internet in public areas.
According to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), China’s mobile data and monthly broadband costs rank 53rd and 89th in the world (from low to high) respectively. While the cost of internet data is reportedly decreasing, the speed of the internet is increasing. China’s Broadband Alliance released a report last year claiming that fixed-line broadband speeds had risen for 11 consecutive quarters.
The report attributed the increase in speed to the government pushing improved internet infrastructure in the country, including increased bandwidth for international traffic. However, a study conducted by Cable.co.uk, China’s internet is ranked as the 134th fastest in the world, placing just behind Iran and in front of Mauritania.