China’s fixed broadband market is expanding on the back of one of the world’s largest fiber infrastructures. According to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the country had more than 698 million fixed broadband subscribers by the end of April 2026, adding around 1.43 million new broadband users in a single month.
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High-speed adoption is accelerating rapidly, with 667 million subscribers using connections of 100 Mbps or higher, representing 95.5 percent of all broadband users. Meanwhile, 253 million subscribers have already upgraded to 1 Gbps or faster services, accounting for 36.2 percent of broadband customers.
China’s fiber-first strategy is also translating into higher broadband speeds. The growing adoption of gigabit broadband reflects increasing demand from households and enterprises using artificial intelligence applications, cloud computing, online gaming, 8K video streaming, industrial automation and smart home services. The rapid migration toward gigabit connectivity provides operators with opportunities to improve ARPU through premium broadband packages while reducing dependence on legacy voice services.
China is also emerging as a global leader in commercial 10G broadband deployment. Alongside the deployment of more than 32 million 10G PON ports, operators are beginning to commercialize 50G-PON technology capable of delivering broadband speeds approaching 10 Gbps, creating the foundation for AI-driven applications, immersive digital experiences, cloud gaming, industrial internet and smart manufacturing. These deployments position China among the earliest large-scale adopters of next-generation fixed broadband technology.
China Mobile continues to leverage its extensive broadband footprint to strengthen market leadership. Along with nationwide FTTH expansion, the operator is integrating AI-enabled network operations, intelligent home broadband services and cloud offerings to increase customer value. Competition is also intensifying as China Telecom and China Unicom accelerate gigabit broadband rollouts and commercial deployment of 50G-PON and 10G broadband services across major cities and industrial clusters.
China’s Digital Infrastructure Supports AI Economy
China’s investment in fixed broadband is increasingly aligned with its broader AI and digital economy ambitions. The country’s telecom infrastructure now includes more than 5 million 5G base stations, while 5G mobile subscribers have exceeded 1.26 billion, creating opportunities for integrated fixed-mobile convergence and AI-enabled digital services. Industry analysts expect fixed broadband and mobile networks to work together in supporting cloud computing, edge AI, smart manufacturing, autonomous systems and next-generation enterprise connectivity over the coming decade.
China’s fixed communications market is evolving into one of the world’s most advanced broadband ecosystems. GlobalData projects total fixed communications revenue will reach $47.6 billion by 2030, supported by continued fiber expansion, premium gigabit broadband adoption and commercial deployment of 10G optical networks. With more than 698 million broadband subscribers, 253 million gigabit users, and over 32 million 10G PON ports already deployed, China is well positioned to accelerate AI-powered digital transformation for consumers and enterprises. Operators that successfully combine ultra-fast connectivity, AI-enabled customer services and premium digital offerings will be best placed to capture the next wave of broadband revenue growth.
FASNA SHABEER
