The legal and policy issues in implementing 'Three Network Convergence' in China

Abstract

In January 2010, China resolved that it would speed up the “Three Network Convergence” of telecommunications, broadcasting and internet networks. In June, 2010, the country launched a pilot scheme of “Three Network Convergence” in twelve selected “test-cities”, which took effect in July 2010. This paper attempts to answer three research questions. Firstly, why did China resolve to implement “Three Network Convergence” and what were its contents? Secondly, what is the progress made in the implementation of ‘Three Network Convergence? Finally, what legal and policy issues that China need to tackle in implementing ‘Three Network Convergence’? In this paper, the authors first analyse the origin of “Three Network Convergence” in China. They then analyse its contents and progress. Finally, the authors conclude with observations on the legal and policy issues in the Chinese implementation of “Three Network Convergence”.