China will speed up integration among the telecom, cable, and Internet sectors. That's the word coming out of a routine State Council meeting, hosted by Premier Wen Jiabao on Wednesday.

According to the plan, a moderately competitive network structure will be in place throughout the country by 2015.

China briefly touched on the concept in its 5 year plan covering 2006 to 2010. This is, however, the first time that a clear timetable has been laid out.

The State Council says that integrating the three networks will be a significant boost to domestic consumption. China currently possesses the technology, network foundations, and market size to facilitate further integration.

The State Council is also calling for broadcasters to add telecom services while telecom operators should provide digital TV access.

A two-way access system between telecom companies and cable networks will be built by 2012. The Chinese government says rural promotion of the integrated network will be supported by fiscal, tax, and financing policies.

(CCTV.com January 14, 2010)