# China telecommunications sector trends

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/china-telecommunications-sector-trends
> Updated: 2026-08-27T14:50:42.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

In the first half of 2026, China’s telecommunications sector experienced a 2.1% year-on-year decline in total revenue, totaling 8.873 trillion yuan. Despite the revenue drop, mobile internet traffic grew by 17.7%, and 5G adoption continued to expand, with 1.288 billion subscribers representing 69.9% of all mobile users.

By the end of July 2026, the expansion of 5G infrastructure continued, with the total number of 5G base stations reaching 5.154 million. This growth pushed the 5G user base to 1.303 billion, or 70.5% of the total mobile phone user base. Additionally, high-speed fixed broadband users (1000Mbps or higher) grew to 260 million, accounting for 37.1% of all fixed broadband users. While mobile internet traffic remained high, traditional services like SMS and voice calls continued to see declines in volume and duration.

## Claims

- China's 5G mobile phone subscribers reached 1.3 billion by the end of July 2026, accounting for 70.5% of total mobile users. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The total number of 5G base stations reached 5.154 million by the end of July. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Mobile internet traffic grew 17.6% year-on-year to 258.7 billion GB in the first seven months of 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- NetEase reported Q2 2026 revenue of 30.1 billion yuan, up 7.9% year-on-year. (single source)
- Changxin Technology reported a net profit of 77.6 billion yuan for the first half of 2026, reversing a previous loss. (single source)
- China Construction Bank reported H1 2026 operating income of 436.5 billion yuan, up 10.72% year-on-year. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-27: China tech sector sees 5G growth and strong corporate earnings

China's 5G subscribers hit 1.3 billion by July 2026, while major tech firms like Bilibili, NetEase, and Changxin Technology reported significant revenue growth and profit turnarounds.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-reports-515-million-5g-base-stations-in-place-through-july

### 2026-07-30: China's Telecom Revenue Declines 2.1% in H1 2026 as 5G Users Reach 1.288 Billion

China's telecom revenue fell 2.1% to 8.873 trillion yuan in H1 2026, while 5G users rose to 1.288 billion and mobile data traffic grew 17.7%.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chinas-telecom-revenue-declines-21-in-h1-2026-as-5g-users-reach-1288-billion

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Cite as: China telecommunications sector trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/china-telecommunications-sector-trends