Chinese mobile users do not want to pay for 4G services, according to a Strategy Analytics survey.
The report is significant for telecom operators such as China Mobile, which will be launching 4G LTE services in select Chinese towns.
The main reason for this kind of response from Chinese mobile users is that many 3G subscribers are not happy with their current mobile network speed.
Strategy Analytics, in its report called Chinese Smartphone Owners Profile 2013, said that more than 80 percent of respondents were not satisfied with their current mobile network speed. Moreover, less than 10 percent indicated they would pay for a 4G network.
Alvin Wu, report author and analyst at Strategy Analytics’ Wireless Device Lab, said dissatisfaction with their existing 3G network speed has contributed to the negative expectations that consumers have with the 4G network.
Strategy Analytics recommends that Chinese operators need to devote more effort on providing previously promised services and improve Chinese consumers’ level of satisfaction.
As 4G/LTE capability penetrates into more handsets at lower price points, a general emphasis on faster connectivity and better coverage is likely to resonate most strongly, the report said.
