China Mobile’s latest figures suggest that the carrier has passed the 300 million subscriber mark, and currently offers its services to more people than the total population of the United States.
Still, most of the Chinese subscribers use pre-paid cell phone services, but Julie Pohlig, senior analyst at research firm Vital Wave Consulting, argues that latest numbers from the Chinese operator provide perspective on the sheer size of the Chinese market, and illustrates the perceived value of information and communications technology (ICT) to a population that has far less purchasing power.
Chinese subscribers pay around 80% less than Americans for mobile phone service, but their typical investment of $10 per month represents roughly 7% of their monthly salary. (via: Cellular-News)