Shanghai's telecom regulatory body introduced an action plan on Feb 4 to optimize the business environment of the telecom industry in 2026.

The 15-point action plan released by the Shanghai Communications Administration aims to foster an innovation-driven industry ecosystem that provides efficient services, promotes fair competition, and ensures reliable collaborative governance.

A core component of the plan involves streamlining administrative approvals and licensing, particularly for value-added telecom services, while also improving the transparency of telecom rates and service offerings.

For instance, telecom companies will be required to provide advance notice of planned network outages to business customers through online channels, helping minimize operational disruptions.

To address user concerns, the plan strengthens mechanisms for responding to and resolving complaints, using channels such as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's telecom user complaint center and the 12345 Shanghai government service hotline.

These efforts aim to enhance the customer experience related to broadband access and signal coverage.

Additionally, Shanghai is committed to improving services for specific demographics, including elderly residents and expatriates, by offering accessible digital technologies and multilingual support at key locations such as airports and the venue of the China International Import Expo.

In a move to protect user rights and foster fair competition, Shanghai will intensify its crackdown on monopolistic practices in the broadband access market.

Authorities will also enhance oversight through the construction of an open regulatory platform for value-added telecom businesses, utilizing big data and AI to improve regulatory accuracy.

Shanghai also aims to strengthen its digital infrastructure by expanding 5G-A (5G-Advanced) and 10-gigabit optical network infrastructure, with plans to add 3,000 5G-A three-component carrier (3CC) base stations this year.

The city seeks to promote integrated applications across industries, focusing on areas including the industrial internet, autonomous vehicles, and the low-altitude economy.

At the same time, network and data security will be reinforced, with an emphasis on the internet of vehicles and artificial intelligence.

Source: The Paper