The review and approval process for foreign-funded enterprises to operate telecom value-added services in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone (FTZ) has been simplified, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) announced on April 15.

The review and approval authority has been delegated from the MIIT to the Shanghai Communications Administration, said the MIIT in a document.

The length of time from submission of application to approval has been shortened to no more than 60 days down from five months.

Telecom value-added service providers refer to those using public telecom network infrastructure and providing value-added services including call centers and smartphone app stores rather than traditional voice telephony services.