A future that is faster, interactive and offers more choice is being promised for China's TV, mobile phone and internet users. The idea's to bring together the delivery of the three services, using one cable or wireless gateway.
It was announced last week that the 'three networks' integration programme will be trialed in 12 cities, including Beijing and Shanghai. The trial will last until 2012, and it's hoped a comprehensive service will be in place by 2015.
The result could mean increased competition between the different sectors. This in turn should allow users of a single network to surf the internet, make telephone calls and watch a wider variety of TV programmes.
So how will it work, and what will be the long term benefits for China?
Ni hao, you're listening to
People In the Know, bringing you insights into the headline news in China and around the world, online at crienglish.com, and here on China Radio International. I'm Nigel Ballard in Beijing. In today's program we'll discuss the Triple Network Project and China's communications future. So let's get started.
First, we'll speak with
Professor Steven Gordon who's from the Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology at Thammasat University in Thailand.
And after a short break we'll talk to a Chinese media expert.
Ni hao, you're listening to
People In the Know, bringing you insights into the headline news in China and around the world, online at crienglish.com and here on China Radio International. I'm Nigel Ballard in Beijing.
The integration of China's TV, internet and mobile phone services calls for a large amount of investment, but could also see significant economic growth. For more we'll now talk with
Professor Prof. Zhao Zi Zhong Associate Professor of Communication at the University of China.
And with that we conclude this edition of
People In the Know, online at crienglish.com and here on China Radio International.
The merging of TV, internet and mobile phone services in China has taken a lot of planning. Technical and regulatory hurdles have had to be overcome. Now a date has been set for trials. In the long term the Triple Networks Project could mean more choice for consumers; and substantial growth for the creative and communications industries.
Questions or comments for us can be sent to people@cri.com.cn. You can also listen to our show on your mobile by logging onto m.cri.cn. The Programme Producers are Xu Yang, Chen Mo, Lu Yuan and Interns Guo Ling Zhi and Wang Lin; I'm Nigel Ballard in Beijing. We'll talk to you tomorrow.
