Core Insights - The article discusses the challenges and experiences of a consumer trying to switch mobile service providers in China, highlighting the complexities of the "number portability" process and the competitive landscape among telecom operators [1][8]. Group 1: Consumer Experience - The consumer has used three mobile numbers, all from China Mobile, and has not changed providers since switching to a global plan after starting work [2]. - Initially, the consumer had a reimbursement plan for phone bills but later faced high fixed monthly expenses due to the service plan [2]. - The consumer learned about "number portability" but faced difficulties in switching providers due to contractual obligations and the need to visit physical stores [3][4]. Group 2: Switching Challenges - The consumer encountered obstacles when trying to switch to China Telecom, including needing to cancel existing services with China Mobile first [5]. - After multiple attempts and negotiations, the consumer was offered a significantly discounted plan by China Mobile, which was unexpected given previous experiences [5][6]. - The article emphasizes the irony that only by attempting to switch providers could the consumer negotiate better terms with their current provider [8]. Group 3: Industry Insights - The article raises questions about the competitive practices of the three major telecom operators in China, suggesting that consumers should have access to similar plans regardless of their location [9]. - It highlights the disparity in service offerings and pricing among the operators, indicating a need for better regulation and consumer protection in the telecom industry [9].

Core Viewpoint - The launch of Apple's new iPhone Air, which only supports eSIM cards, is seen as a significant step towards the adoption of eSIM technology in China, although the actual impact on the market remains uncertain [1][3][4]. Group 1: eSIM Technology and Market Dynamics - The three major telecom operators in China have indicated that they possess the necessary technology for eSIM cards and are awaiting regulatory approval to proceed [1][3]. - eSIM technology, initially proposed by Apple, allows for thinner devices and improved waterproofing, but its adoption in China has been cautious due to regulatory concerns and the interests of telecom operators [2][6]. - The introduction of eSIM cards could potentially enhance user convenience in switching operators, but the primary factors influencing user choice remain signal strength and cost-effectiveness of plans [7][8]. Group 2: Consumer Response and Product Positioning - The iPhone Air's appeal is questioned, as it lacks certain features compared to other models in the iPhone series, making its value proposition less attractive [4][5]. - Domestic smartphone manufacturers like OPPO and vivo are expected to release eSIM-compatible devices, with OPPO planning to launch its first models by the end of the year [5][6]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape and Regulatory Challenges - The introduction of eSIM technology may intensify competition among telecom operators, but concerns about user retention and potential security issues have led to a slowdown in eSIM adoption [6][7]. - The current telecom service ecosystem in China is well-established, and while eSIM cards could facilitate easier operator switching, they do not fundamentally change the existing dynamics of user retention and contract obligations [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - Apple's launch of a new eSIM-only model, the iPhone Air, is expected to drive the development of eSIM technology in China, despite the cautious approach of local carriers and regulatory considerations [1][5][6] Industry Overview - The three major domestic telecom operators have indicated readiness to support eSIM technology but are awaiting regulatory approval to proceed with eSIM card services [1][5] - eSIM technology, initially proposed by Apple, has been applied in devices like smartwatches and tablets, with the iPhone 14 series marking a significant milestone by eliminating physical SIM slots in the U.S. market [4] Market Dynamics - The iPhone Air's market appeal is uncertain due to its perceived lower value compared to other models in the iPhone 17 series, which offer better specifications at lower prices [6] - The success of eSIM technology in China may depend on whether domestic manufacturers follow Apple's lead, with OPPO planning to release eSIM-compatible devices by the end of the year [6][7] Consumer Behavior - User choice of telecom operators is primarily influenced by signal strength and cost-effectiveness of plans, suggesting that eSIM technology may not significantly alter consumer behavior [1][8] - The introduction of eSIM cards could facilitate easier number portability between operators, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape among telecom providers [8] Regulatory and Security Considerations - The rollout of eSIM technology in China faces challenges, including concerns over user retention for telecom operators and potential security risks associated with eSIM activation [7][10] - Compliance with existing regulations, such as real-name verification, is essential for the safe implementation of eSIM technology in the domestic market [10]

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of age restrictions for the "Mango Card" package by China Mobile has sparked controversy, with users questioning the fairness and transparency of such policies [1][3][4]. Group 1: Age Restrictions - China Mobile has implemented age restrictions for the "Mango Card" package, allowing only customers aged 30 and below in Guangdong and 35 and below in Jiangsu to apply [2][8]. - Customer service representatives confirmed the existence of these age limits but did not provide specific reasons for their implementation [9][10]. - The age restriction has led to mixed reactions among users, with some viewing it as age discrimination, while others see it as a tailored service approach [3][11]. Group 2: Financial Performance - China Mobile reported a revenue of 543.8 billion yuan for the first half of the year, marking a 0.5% decline year-on-year, the first negative growth in six years [12][13]. - The personal market revenue decreased by 4.1% to 244.7 billion yuan, with declines in voice, SMS, and wireless internet services [15]. - The chairman of China Mobile acknowledged challenges such as slowing communication service revenue growth and increasing market competition, particularly from low-cost data plans [15][16]. Group 3: Customer Retention and Competition - The introduction of number portability has led to increased competition, with China Mobile reportedly losing customers as users seek better value packages [16][17]. - Restrictions on changing to more cost-effective packages may push users towards number portability as a viable option [17].

Core Points - The article discusses the age restrictions imposed by China Mobile on the "Mango Card" package, limiting it to customers under 30 in Guangdong and under 35 in Jiangsu, raising concerns about potential age discrimination [2][3][5] - Users express confusion and frustration over these restrictions, questioning the rationale behind them, while some argue that tailored services based on consumer characteristics are a form of refined service [2][5] - China Mobile's recent financial report indicates a 0.5% decline in revenue for the first half of the year, marking the first negative growth in six years, with net profit growth slowing to 5% [6][8] Financial Performance - China Mobile reported a revenue of 543.8 billion yuan for the first half of the year, the first negative growth since 2020 [6] - Personal market revenue decreased by 4.1% to 244.7 billion yuan, with declines in voice, SMS, and wireless internet services [8] - The chairman highlighted challenges such as saturated traditional communication demand and intensified market competition, particularly regarding the "number portability" service [10][11]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the limitations faced by users attempting to transfer their mobile numbers, specifically the "777777" number, under China's mobile number portability policy, with China Telecom confirming that there are restrictions in place that require approval from leadership [1] Group 1 - Users with the "777777" number have encountered various restrictions when trying to transfer their numbers [1] - China Telecom representatives indicated that the transfer of three consecutive numbers is subject to city-level approval, while six consecutive numbers require provincial-level approval [1] - The ability to transfer numbers is ultimately dependent on leadership approval within the company [1]

Group 1 - The chairman of China Mobile stated that number portability, originally intended to improve service and customer choice, has devolved into a means of malicious competition, with many instances of non-compliance and unfair practices emerging, such as customer complaints on behalf of others [1] - The root cause of this situation is attributed to problematic assessment directives from higher management, which pressure local branches to meet new business targets and increase revenue, leading to a focus on acquiring new customers from competitors rather than expanding the overall market [3] - It is suggested that a change is necessary, starting from the top, by eliminating the assessment and incentive requirements for new user acquisition, and instead focusing on managing existing customers and improving service quality [5]

Core Insights - China Mobile's traditional communication demand is nearing saturation, with a total mobile phone user base of 1.8 billion in a population of 1.4 billion, leading to a decline in voice and SMS services while data traffic experiences stable growth [1][2] - The market competition is intensifying, with the proliferation of low-cost data cards and the negative impact of number portability, which has devolved into a tool for unfair competition rather than improving service [1] Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, China Mobile's personal market revenue reached RMB 244.7 billion, with a mobile customer base of 1.005 billion, netting an increase of 560,000 users, and 5G network customers totaling 599 million, a net increase of 46.91 million, achieving a penetration rate of 59.6% [2] - The household market revenue for the same period was RMB 75 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 7.4%, with household broadband customers reaching 284 million, a net increase of 6.23 million, and gigabit broadband customers at 109 million, showing a year-on-year growth of 19.4% [2] - The comprehensive ARPU for household customers was RMB 44.4, marking a year-on-year increase of 2.3% [2]