智通财经网·2026-02-02 01:29Core Viewpoint - The recent adjustment in the VAT tax rate for telecommunications services from 6% to 9% is expected to impact the revenue and profits of major telecom operators in China, including China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, but is seen as a necessary clarification of the tax policy rather than an additional tax burden [1][1]. Group 1: Market Reaction - Major telecom operators experienced significant declines in their stock prices, with China Unicom down 7.04% to HKD 7.39, China Telecom down 6.32% to HKD 5.04, and China Mobile down 2.26% to HKD 78 [1][1][1]. Group 2: Tax Policy Changes - The Ministry of Finance and the State Taxation Administration announced that starting January 1, 2026, the tax category for services such as mobile data, SMS, and internet broadband will change from value-added telecommunications services to basic telecommunications services, with the VAT rate increasing to 9% [1][1][1]. - This adjustment is characterized as a "repositioning" of the tax category, which clarifies the public nature of basic communication services and is expected to enhance operational efficiency within the industry [1][1]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The tax category adjustment is anticipated to encourage telecom operators to focus more on core activities such as network construction and service assurance, reducing homogeneous marketing competition and promoting high-quality development of digital economy infrastructure [1][1][1].