Core Viewpoint - The three major Chinese telecom operators plan to fully restart eSIM services in the second half of 2025 after a two-year suspension due to security concerns related to fraud [1][16]. Group 1: Current Status of eSIM Services - China Unicom has resumed eSIM functionality in 25 provinces including Tianjin, Beijing, and Hebei, with no confirmed dates for other cities [2]. - China Mobile is optimizing its system and will gradually open eSIM services nationwide, with specific timelines to be announced [3]. - China Telecom has not completed the upgrade for eSIM services and does not currently support activation, with the upgrade timeline still pending [4]. Group 2: Reasons for Suspension - The suspension of eSIM services was primarily due to concerns over fraud risks associated with the technology [7]. - eSIMs pose greater information security risks compared to traditional SIM cards, as the authentication process can be bypassed, making it easier for fraudsters to exploit the system [8][9]. - There have been instances of eSIMs being converted to physical SIM cards, leading to misuse and significant losses for telecom operators [11][14]. Group 3: Future Developments and Upgrades - Operators are preparing to restart eSIM services, focusing on system optimization to address compatibility issues [17]. - The reintroduction of eSIM services will implement stricter authentication measures, including dual verification through ID and facial recognition, to prevent fraudulent registrations [18]. - The return of eSIM technology is expected to revolutionize communication methods and reshape smartphone designs [19]. Group 4: User Experience and Benefits - eSIMs allow users to switch between different operators and plans without needing to change physical SIM cards, enabling seamless transitions [22]. - The removal of SIM card slots can enhance device design by saving space, improving waterproofing, reducing thickness, or increasing battery capacity [23]. - eSIMs facilitate easier international roaming by allowing users to purchase local data plans online upon arrival, reducing costs associated with traditional roaming [24]. - In IoT applications, eSIMs enable remote management and enhance security, reducing the risk of information theft [25].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Recommended" investment rating for the communication industry [1] Core Insights - The 2025 World Mobile Communication Conference (MWC) focused on key themes such as 5G integration, AI, and satellite communication, highlighting significant advancements in the industry [15][49] - The communication sector has shown resilience, outperforming major indices like the CSI 300 and the ChiNext Index in both weekly and year-to-date performance [8][9] - Key companies to watch include China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom, with specific recommendations for various segments such as AI applications, satellite communication, and optical components [49][51] Summary by Sections Industry Overview - The communication industry consists of 124 listed companies with a total market capitalization of approximately 484.33 billion [3] - The sector's performance has been robust, with a 1.58% increase in the past week, outperforming the CSI 300 by 2.04 percentage points [8][9] MWC Highlights - Major announcements included the release of the "Agentic AI for Telco" white paper by China Mobile and several partners, outlining a framework for AI collaboration in telecommunications [15][16] - China Mobile introduced a series of AIoT products, emphasizing the integration of AI with IoT and satellite communications [21][22] - China Telecom showcased its cloud-network integration strategy, focusing on AI-driven applications across various sectors [25][27] Investment Recommendations - Recommended companies include: - Telecom Operators: China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom [51] - Optical Components: New Yisheng, Tianfu Communication, Zhongji Xuchuang [51] - Satellite Communication: Haige Communication, Shanghai Hanhua, Qiyi Er [51] - Equipment Manufacturers: Gongjin Co., Unisoc, ZTE, Ruijie Networks [51] - IoT Modules: Guanghetong, with a focus on AI applications [51]

Core Insights - Shanghai is progressively achieving its goal of becoming an international technology and innovation center, with MWC Shanghai playing a crucial role in this transformation [1][9] - China has emerged as the largest mobile connectivity nation globally, leading in 5G user scale and technology development [1][10] - The mobile industry is projected to contribute over $2 trillion to China's economy by 2030, with growth rates expected to surpass the global average due to accelerated 5G application [3] Group 1: MWC Shanghai's Role and Significance - MWC Shanghai has been established for twelve years and is now a platform for showcasing China's mobile industry creativity, innovation, and leadership [4] - The event is expected to attract participation from approximately 150 countries and regions, focusing on regional market characteristics while accommodating international business needs [4] - The GSMA Innovation Hub at MWC Shanghai will feature cutting-edge technologies from leading Chinese companies, emphasizing the region's advancements in mobile technology [6] Group 2: Technological Advancements and Industry Development - Shanghai has built over 843,000 outdoor 5G base stations and 442,600 indoor small stations, establishing a leading advantage in 5G-A, optical networks, and industry-specific networks [4] - The city is promoting the development of a new generation of communication industry chains, focusing on satellite internet and 5G-A network applications [5] - MWC Shanghai will showcase key scenarios and pathways for "communication technology+" innovations, including AI, autonomous driving, and satellite communication [6] Group 3: Policy and Standardization - The Policy Leaders Forum (PLF) at MWC Shanghai will gather global policymakers and industry leaders to discuss the impact of AI, bridging the digital divide, and the future potential of mobile connectivity in the 6G era [9] - The forum will address the need for unified global communication technology standards to avoid fragmentation, which was a challenge before the advent of 4G technology [9][10] - MWC Shanghai is positioned not only as a technology showcase but also as a vital engine for promoting international cooperation and economic development [9]

Core Insights - The annual MWC Shanghai highlighted the telecom industry's shift towards AI and large models, with 5G taking a backseat as operators face growth challenges [2] - The three major telecom operators reported low growth in Q1, indicating a saturation in demand and a need for new growth narratives [2][3][4] Group 1: Financial Performance - China Mobile reported Q1 revenue of 263.8 billion yuan, a slight increase of 0.02% year-on-year, with a net profit of 30.6 billion yuan, up 3.5% [2] - China Telecom's Q1 revenue was 134.5 billion yuan, showing a year-on-year increase of 0.01%, with a net profit of 8.9 billion yuan, up 3.1% [3] - China Unicom achieved Q1 revenue of 103.35 billion yuan, a year-on-year growth of 3.88%, with a net profit of 2.61 billion yuan, up 6.5% [4] Group 2: Growth Strategies - Huawei's rotating chairman Xu Zhijun emphasized the importance of identifying new growth demands, particularly from high-value user groups like delivery riders and live streamers, whose ARPU is significantly higher than average users [2][6] - The global number of delivery riders is expected to reach 160 million by 2030, with their ARPU being 1.6 times that of ordinary users; professional live streamers are projected to reach 130 million, with an ARPU four times higher [6] - Other strategies include enhancing high-definition video traffic, capitalizing on smart connected vehicles, and connecting individual businesses through FTTR technology [6] Group 3: AI and Robotics - The telecom operators are focusing on AI as a new narrative, with China Mobile's chairman stating that the industry is entering the AI+ era, where AI capabilities are reaching or exceeding human levels [2][10] - China Unicom launched the U PLUS SMART product system, integrating AI into various applications, while China Telecom showcased AI applications like the Tianyi AI phone and AI cloud computer [10][11] - Several robotics companies, including Yushu Technology and Leju Robotics, showcased their innovations at the event, highlighting the potential of AI in robotics for various applications [13][15]

Core Insights - The emergence of "silicon-based life" is anticipated to significantly impact societal development, integrating physical hardware with advanced AI technologies [2][3] - AI is driving a new technological revolution, transitioning society into the "AI+" era, with capabilities in language understanding and image recognition surpassing human levels [2][3] Group 1: Predictions on Silicon-Based Life - Silicon-based individuals are expected to multiply, creating new social development dividends through their integration into various sectors such as AI terminals and smart vehicles [3] - The digital space is projected to expand, enhancing the fusion of digital and physical realms, thereby increasing human capabilities in various activities [3] - The efficiency of the intelligent economy is set to rise, fostering new economic growth engines through collaborative innovation networks and personalized intelligent services [4] Group 2: Technological Integration and Development Trends - The integration of 5G-A/6G with AI is reshaping communication capabilities, leading to a new era of interconnected devices [4] - The three major telecom operators are shifting resources towards computing networks and AI to create a "second growth curve," with significant investments in computing power [5][6] - The operators have reported substantial growth in their computing and AI-related revenues, indicating a competitive landscape in the AI investment arena [6][7] Group 3: Strategic Initiatives and Future Plans - China Mobile is launching an "AI+" initiative, collaborating with companies to develop comprehensive domestic inference services [7] - China Telecom and China Unicom are also focusing on enhancing their AI capabilities and infrastructure, with plans to establish new intelligent computing centers and upgrade their services [7]

Core Viewpoint - The three major telecom operators in China are expected to fully reopen eSIM services in the second half of 2023 after a two-year suspension due to business maintenance and upgrades [1] Group 1: eSIM Service Overview - In 2023, the three major operators announced the suspension of eSIM services for smartwatches and independent eSIM cards, citing business maintenance upgrades as the reason [1] - The one-number dual-terminal service allows users to add devices like smartwatches and tablets to their main phone number, enabling shared voice and data plans while allowing independent calls and internet access [1] - The independent SIM service provides devices with their own numbers and dedicated tariff plans, supporting SMS, calls, and internet connectivity [1] Group 2: Impact and Reasons for Suspension - The suspension of eSIM services has significantly impacted smartwatch users, as many who purchased devices with independent eSIM capabilities found they could not activate the features [1] - The reasons behind the suspension include security concerns and unresolved issues among the three major operators, particularly regarding the ease of switching between operators [1] - Industry insiders expect that the operators will establish new industry standards to address these issues before reopening the services [1] Group 3: Current Status of eSIM Services - Some operators have already restarted eSIM services in select cities, with China Unicom resuming eSIM functionality in 25 provinces including Tianjin, Beijing, and Hebei [2] - China Mobile is gradually opening eSIM services nationwide, currently optimizing systems and preparing resources for the rollout [2] - China Telecom has not yet resumed eSIM services, stating that upgrades are still in progress without a specific completion timeline [2]

Core Viewpoint - The Invesco Great Wall CSI National New Hong Kong Stock Connect Central Enterprise Dividend ETF (520990) has shown significant growth in both share count and asset size in 2024, indicating strong investor interest and market performance [1][2]. Fund Overview - The fund was established on June 26, 2024, with a management fee of 0.50% and a custody fee of 0.10% [1]. - As of June 17, 2024, the fund's total shares stood at 4.891 billion, with a total asset size of 4.895 billion yuan [1]. - Year-to-date, the fund's shares have increased by 30.56%, and its asset size has grown by 39.80% compared to December 31, 2023 [1]. Liquidity Metrics - Over the last 20 trading days, the fund has recorded a cumulative trading volume of 1.455 billion yuan, with an average daily trading volume of 72.73 million yuan [1]. Fund Management - The current fund managers are Zhang Xiaonan and Gong Lili, with respective returns of 0.05% and 12.22% during their management periods [2]. Top Holdings - The fund's major holdings include: - China Mobile: 11.04% of the portfolio, valued at 529 million yuan - China Petroleum: 10.43%, valued at 499 million yuan - COSCO Shipping: 10.25%, valued at 491 million yuan - CNOOC: 10.01%, valued at 479 million yuan - China Shenhua: 8.89%, valued at 426 million yuan - Sinopec: 8.21%, valued at 393 million yuan - China Telecom: 5.39%, valued at 258 million yuan - China Unicom: 3.65%, valued at 175 million yuan - China Coal Energy: 2.38%, valued at 114 million yuan - China Merchants Bank: 2.33%, valued at 112 million yuan [3].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant advancements in communication infrastructure in the remote Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, Xinjiang, driven by China Unicom, which has transformed the region from a "communication island" to an "information thoroughfare" through extensive network coverage and technological integration [2][3][7]. Group 1: Communication Infrastructure Development - China Unicom has initiated a major project to cover the border road network, addressing the communication needs of local herders and tourists by laying over 30 kilometers of optical fiber and establishing three new 5G base stations [2]. - The construction of nearly 30 base stations and over 500 kilometers of optical fiber along the Tashkurgan to Hongqila Port route has created a "smart corridor" that enhances border governance and supports local tourism [3][7]. Group 2: Emergency Response and Maintenance - The maintenance team of China Unicom has demonstrated resilience in emergency situations, such as restoring communication after a landslide that disrupted services for a local community, showcasing their commitment to maintaining connectivity in harsh conditions [5]. - The story of a maintenance worker highlights the dedication of the team, who undertook a challenging 8-kilometer trek in difficult weather to restore communication services, emphasizing the human element in technological infrastructure [5]. Group 3: Investment and Coverage Achievements - China Unicom has invested nearly 200 million yuan in Tashkurgan, establishing around 200 4G/4G base stations and 1,150 kilometers of local communication optical fiber, achieving a mobile network coverage rate of 93% [7]. - The extensive network infrastructure has connected various villages and provided essential communication services, contributing to the local economy and improving the quality of life for residents [7].

Group 1 - The market shows significant divergence regarding the telecommunications industry, with optimism for the computing power sector until 2026, but concerns over AI applications and capital expenditure slowing down [1] - The report suggests that while short-term divergences may persist, there is no evidence to support that concerns will materialize, indicating a need for selective investment in the computing power sector [1] - Telecommunications operators are considered stable and high-quality dividend assets, with a recommendation to focus on H-shares over A-shares due to better dividend yields and valuations [1] Group 2 - The computing power infrastructure sector remains strong, with a positive long-term outlook despite the absence of blockbuster applications, suggesting a focus on high-quality North American companies [2] - Specific companies in the optical module and CPO segments are recommended for investment, including names like NewEase, Zhongji Xuchuang, and Tianfu Communication [2] - Attention is drawn to the military communication, controller, IoT, and submarine cable sectors, which are expected to see marginal changes and growth opportunities due to evolving international dynamics and military needs [3] Group 3 - The military demand is expected to remain rigid as China aims to achieve its military goals by 2027, with potential recovery in military-related industries [3] - Companies involved in smart controllers and IoT modules are actively entering new markets, which may lead to new growth opportunities [3] - The offshore wind power sector is anticipated to recover, with improvements in deep-sea technology providing new development opportunities for submarine cables and marine communication systems [3]

Group 1 - Citi has raised target prices for China's three major telecom operators, favoring China Telecom due to its leading position in AI and cloud services [1] - China Mobile is attractive to income-focused investors due to its high dividend yield, with target price increased from HKD 82.3 to HKD 105.1, maintaining a "Buy" rating [1] - China Telecom's target price has been raised from HKD 5.1 to HKD 7.1, reflecting a 1% increase in profit forecasts for 2025 and 2026, while also introducing a forecast for 2027 [1] - China Unicom's target price has been increased from HKD 6.9 to HKD 11.2, with a 2% increase in profit forecast for 2026, maintaining a "Buy" rating and a projected dividend yield of approximately 5.4% [1]