China Telecom to Merge and Enlarge 163/169 Networks

Beginning from 1995, China Telecom injected 20 billion yuan into the construction of China Telecom's two large networks, 163 and 169.

As an extension of Internet in China, 163 is mainly used for providing Internet access service, while as the largest national Intranet, 169 is mainly designed to offer netizens domestic information service. But the overlapping functions of the two brought inconvenience for users, and led to competition between the two networks. Therefore, merging the two turns out to be necessary and important.

Previously constructed by different companies, 163 and 169 networks differ in network structure, management mode and charge software and method. The merger is to integrate and upgrade equipment and service of the two, and to provide 163/169 service on one physical platform.

The merging of 163/169 networks will help expand bandwidth, lower Internet access fees and bring about a surge in the number of Internet users. The project will further promote the popularity of Internet in China and yield good economic and social benefits.



By PD Online staff member Li Yan


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