MIIT encourages private investment in broadband networks

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has encouraged private investment to participate in the construction of broadband networks in 16 pilot cities, according to a statement posted Thursday on its website.

Private firms involved in the pilot program can build basic broadband network infrastructure, and provide users with Internet connection services under their own brands, the statement said.

The first batch of pilot cities are mainly first- and second-tier cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, capital of South China's Guangdong Province, and Taiyuan, capital of North China's Shanxi Province, but Beijing is not on the list.

The MIIT said it will expand the program, depending on how the trial works.

The regulation will take effect on March 1, 2015.