China Controls Bandwidth: The Fibre-optic Rectification Circular

The fibre-optics industry has benefited from the enormous growth in China's internet and data traffic. Fibre-optic technology is beginning to be widely used in China, as it has the advantage over traditional interconnection methods of being able to provide faster, more reliable data transfer. However, some observers are concerned that the release of a recent government notice will dampen the development of fibre-optic networks in the People's Republic of China (PRC).

A time of rectification

The Screening of Illegal Fibre-optic Cable Construction Projects and Rectification of the Order of Long Distance Fibre-optic Cable Construction Circular (Circular), was jointly issued by the Ministry of Information Industry (MII) and the State Development Planning Commission (SDPC) on March 27 2001.  The Circular states that approval for the construction and installation of long distance fibre-optic cables must be obtained from the SDPC, the MII or a unit authorized by them.  Construction projects involving the military are to be reported to the Communications Division Headquarters.