China on Friday publicized a revised regulation on managing radio operators that reduces red tape and brings harsher punishment for telecoms fraud.

The regulation was released in accordance with a decree signed earlier this month by Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission, and Premier Li Keqiang.

The revision covers the management of radio frequencies, stations, transmission equipment and radio operations related to foreign affairs.

It streamlines administrative approval in radio and strengthens supervision, with a special focus on radio-related crimes such as telecoms fraud using illegal base stations.

Illegal base stations can cut communication between mobile phones and legal base stations to send disguised text messages. This can facilitate fraud and illegal advertising.

The initial regulation came in to force on Sept. 11, 1993 to ensure proper development and use of radio frequencies, and order on radio waves. The revision will take effect on Dec. 1, 2016.