Jingdong to Launch MVNO Services in May 2014
Tencent Tech, 12/31/13
A representative from Beijing-based B2C e-commerce platform Jingdong has revealed that the company plans to release mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) services in May or June of 2014. Jingdong established an MVNO group in January 2013, responsible for MVNO license application and other processes. The company will provide customers with its own voice and data plans, as well as an exclusive Jingdong mobile number pre-fix.
MVNO operators approved by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) have been allocated specific geographic areas within which to operate. Jingdong is approved to offer MVNO service in cooperation with China Telecom (NYSE: CHA; 0728.HK) in 46 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Huizhou, Zhuhai, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuhan, Hangzhou, and Wenzhou.
Jingdong has partnered with China Unicom (NYSE: CHU; 0762.HK; 600050.SH) to roll out MVNO service in 35 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Wenzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Shijiazhuang, Qingdao, Wuhan, Changsha, Chengdu, Xi'an, Harbin, Nanning, and Hangzhou.
Jingdong VP Wang Xiaosong has revealed that the company's MVNO business will be integrated with its "JDPhone" mobile handset procurement plan. Jingdong will allow customers to choose either China Telecom or China Unicom-based service, with Jingdong showing preference to neither operator.
Editor's Note: For more information on this topic, please see "MIIT Issues First Batch of MVNO Trial Permits to 11 Firms," MD 12/26/13 and "Jingdong Prepares for MVNO Contract Handset Sales," MD 11/19/13 issues.
Keywords: China Telecom China Unicom e-commerce wireless B2C MIIT MVNO 0728.HK 0762.HK 600050.SH CHA CHU Jingdong Wang Xiaosong
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