Settling In 119for broadband. Blackberry service began at the end of 2006.
You can even purchase a modem card for your computer so
that you can connect via the mobile network anywhere in
China that there is mobile phone reception.
Landlines in China come standard with only domestic
phone service. In order to have international service (IDD),
you must go to the phone company and provide a copy of
your passport as well as a deposit. They will then open the
line for you to make international calls.
China Telecom is China’s largest service provider. It
continues to have about 80 per cent of the telecommunications
market in China and spun off a mobile phone division which
is called China Mobile. China Unicom is a newer service that
is going head-to-head with China Mobile. Both have adopted
the US sales approach of giving away phones to entice people
to subscribe to its service.
Historically in China, mobile phone service is not linked to
the phone. The phone and a chip are purchased separately.
The phone number and service is attached to the mobile
phone chip. It is one reason that phones have become such
an accessory item in China. By moving the chip from one
phone to the next, a person can easily change phones on a
daily basis.
There are two different options for mobile phone service.
The first is to register with the service provider, provide a
small deposit and receive regular invoices in the mail that
must be paid on a monthly basis. Using this service, you can
apply for international service and are able to place calls
anywhere you travel in the world, as long as your phone is
compatible with the local system.
The second mobile phone service entails purchasing
prepaid cards that are rechargeable. You buy the chip
attached to a small credit card-sized piece of plastic. In
addition, you buy prepaid cards that you activate through
an automated system.
Internet connections can be made through dial-up service
that is charged to your phone or through having a DSL line
activated in your home. Your local phone company can
provide you information on each of these options.