China to improve Internet speed, cut fees

BEIJING -- The State Council, China's cabinet, pledged faster broadband and lower price for Internet services on Wednesday.

China will accelerate construction of a high-speed network with cheaper charges so as to improve people's livelihood, support "Internet Plus" and foster new growth impetus, according to a statement released after a State Council executive meeting presided over by Premier Li Keqiang.

"Internet Plus", put forward by Li, means the integration of the Internet and traditional industries through online platforms and IT technology.

The meeting urged telecom companies to quickly publish detailed plans for faster and cheaper broadband services and free upgrades for the contracts already signed.

Optical and broadband network will be further promoted in the countryside, aiming at realizing access to broadband services for 14,000 villages by the end of this year.

China will expand bandwidth to help the country connect with the world more easily and to help attract investment, the statement said.

Open market, fair competition and more financial supports will help with upgrades of broadband facilities in rural areas lack of infrastructure and expand pilot broadband access business to over 100 enterprises by the year end.

Stricter monitoring of broadband services and charges will protect consumer rights. Any false advertising or fraud in network flow will be tackled.