Mobile operators in China:
China Mobile
The largest mobile operator with a market share of about 70% and good coverage. But the 3G service is based on the strange Chinese TD-SCDMA standard, which, unfortunately, is not compatible with many phones from outside China. However, 4G is compatible with most international versions.
China Unicom (China Unicom)
The second largest carrier in the country and the only provider that has 3G that works with phones from outside the country, 4G works with almost any unlocked GSM phone. Coverage is not as wide as Mobile, but still very good.
China Telecom
The cellular operator uses the CDMA network, which is incompatible with almost all phones purchased outside of China.
All three are state (or “people”) owned and controlled. China Mobile is the largest mobile provider in the world with nearly 925 million customers and nearly 60% market share, followed by China Unicom with 20% and China Telecom with 20% market share.
A fourth network, China Broadcasting Network (中国广电), is currently building a 5G network to be shared with China Mobile.
If even broadband is slow (when you go to sites outside the country), you can guess how slow 3G and 4G can be. If you want to send emails or instant messages, any company will do (remember, you won’t be able to use Google, Facebook, Twitter or Youtube if you don’t have a VPN on your smartphone). For maximum speeds, you need to interview expats that they work better in a specific region.
Internet in China for Tourists
Internet tourists in China are out of luck. Access to the usual Internet sites and messengers is limited. Internet speed varies greatly from provider to provider. We will talk about the peculiarities of the Internet in the PRC, how to choose a provider, compare the cost of services and how to use the services you are used to.
There are many claims on the web that China has great public Wi-Fi, open everywhere, and you can even connect while traveling around the country. It is, but only for owners of Chinese SIM cards. Let’s consider the features of access for those who come to the country for a short time, on business or to relax, and are not going to buy a local SIM card:
Free Wi-Fi in hotels, restaurants and cafes
In large international hotels, everything is very convenient and often even a VPN is connected, so that you can access resources without problems, despite the blocking. It is usually not open, meaning you need a password to access it. You can ask for it at check-in or simply from the waiter. Wi-Fi may be slow in some hotels and internet charges will vary between hourly and daily rates. The farther from big cities, the slower the connection, and not every small cafe has Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi on buses, trains and cruise ships in China
China is expanding Internet access, and many modes of transportation offer free Wi-Fi. Don’t count on it if you don’t have a local SIM card.
Wi-Fi at train stations and airports in China
It’s the same: there’s an open network everywhere, but you need a Chinese phone number. When connecting, a verification code is sent to the phone, which must be entered in the field to gain access to the network.
Internet cafe in China
There is usually no Wi-Fi here, but there are computers connected to the Internet via wires. But – only for Chinese, because you need to present a Chinese ID, an identity card. A foreigner’s passport and visa won’t work, so don’t even think about online clubs in China.
Rent a Wi-Fi transmitter in China
It is the best choice to ensure uninterrupted Internet connection, wherever you are, and with maximum security. Your own Wi-Fi, in which, by the way, you can insert a local SIM card or use an international one.
- GlocalMe G3 4G LTE access point – for 5 devices, which also serves to charge devices, you can insert a Chinese SIM. It costs about 150 dollars, you can look for rent. 1 GB for 7 days – $4, 1 GB for 30 days – $9 (prices need to be confirmed now).
- Skyroam WiFi Hotspot – You can buy the device prepaid for $149.99 or rent for $9.95 per day (includes unlimited traffic) or $9 per month (with 1GB of data). Devices can be reserved and picked up at many airports around the world.
Features of connecting to the Internet in China
Even if you have a local sim card or Wi-Fi transmitter, or you log in via a network with a password, remember – you need a VPN, always, except in large hotels, if they already have one installed there. You should only connect to any open networks through a VPN to encrypt your traffic and prevent fraudsters from accessing your data. While you are at the airport buying a train ticket through an open network, fraudsters can easily intercept your bank card details, and a Chinese website can be infected with viruses. Cybercrime is very well developed here, so take care of your safety.
Some facts about Internet access in China
China is a very peculiar country, with its own mentality, peculiarities of politics and state system. And with access to the network and global resources, everything is not so simple here either.
- On the territory of the country, many websites, such as Facebook or YouTube, as well as messengers, such as Skype, Telegram, Viber or WhatsApp, are not open to us. You can only access them with a VPN.
- The connection is very slow: when you visit non-Chinese sites, filters are activated, so be prepared to wait and refresh the page many times. If the service is not disabled, it will probably open at some point. Most internet connections work very well with Chinese sites.
- Connectivity is relatively cheap: prices have dropped in 2017-2018, and you’ll pay around RMB 60 per month ($10) for a basic 30Mbps connection.
- Cybercrime is highly developed. Just one connection to an unsecured network without a good antivirus or VPN can lead to your device being hacked or clogged, and your personal data and banking information stolen.
Internet providers of China
The reality is that the three state-owned companies China Unicom (中国联通), China Mobile (中国电视) and China Telecom (中国自画) have a monopoly on the provision of services. In general, the market is controlled by Unicom (in the northern provinces) and Telecom (in the southern). In large cities, joint competition with Mobile is manifested.
In addition to the market leaders, there are also cheap Internet providers in China, for example, Dragon Telecom. But they use infrastructure built by state-owned companies (mainly ChinaTelecom), and non-Chinese sites open even more slowly. However, there is an exception – in Beijing there is an excellent offer from Gehua (they are FlyTV) – a fairly fast connection together with cable TV, and at the same time at adequate prices.
FAQ about the Internet in China
Can I use my SIM card?
It is possible, perhaps. But it will be roaming and will not be cheap. Suitable if you are going literally for a day or two, and can afford to overpay a little. For constant use (more than a week) it is not cheap.
What is the best mobile internet provider in China?
Most travelers and tourists use ChinaUnicom, which works without problems with our smartphones, and covers about 90% of the territory with a fairly good connection.
Where to buy a Chinese SIM card for network access?
Visit any of the company’s stores or mobile phone retailers. If you go to an official store, most likely there will be English-speaking employees or brochures with tariff plans. Don’t forget to take your passport!