Source: GlobalData
The total fixed communications services revenue in China is expected to see sluggish compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.7% in its revenue from $303 billion in 2025 to $314 billion in 2030, mainly due to drop in average revenue per user (ARPU) levels, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s China Fixed Communication Forecast (Q3 2025) reveals that fixed voice and fixed broadband service lines will expand at a CAGR of 1% and 1.5%, respectively, over the forecast period. However, both voice telephony and broadband ARPU levels will drop considerably during the period thereby dragging the overall revenue growth.
For instance, fixed voice ARPU levels in the residential segment is expected to decline from $5.07 to $4.35 between 2025 and 2030 due to the growing popularity of mobile/Internet-based communication. Similarly, broadband ARPU levels are expected to decline from $31.10 to $29.53 in residential segment due to the discounted pricing plans offered by operators.
Pradeepthi Kantipudi, Telecom Analyst at GlobalData, says: “Fiber will remain the leading broadband technology in terms of subscription share through the forecast period driven by the government’s support for expansion and improvement of fiber network infrastructure in the country. FTTH coverage is widespread with about 99% of residential broadband subscriptions on fiber optic lines as of 2025 and is expected to reach 100% by the end of 2030.”
China Mobile will lead the fixed broadband services market in 2025, by subscription share, followed by China Telecom and China Unicom. China Mobile will maintain its leadership in the market through 2030 driven by its strong position in the fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) segment and a focus on upgrading gigabit broadband network across the country. China Mobile’s commitment to integrate advanced technologies, such as AI-driven network management and 10G PON deployments, has enhanced service quality and customer satisfaction.
Kantipudi concludes: “As service differentiation increasingly relies on network performance, reliability, and bundled digital services, the operators that pay attention to customer experience while optimizing operational efficiency will lead the next wave of China’s fixed broadband growth.”
Notes:
Quotes provided by Pradeepthi Kantipudi, Telecom Analyst at GlobalData
Information based on GlobalData’s China Fixed Communication Forecast (Q3 2025)
GlobalData’s China Fixed Communication Forecast: Quantifies current and future demand and spending on fixed voice and data services. The data is published quarterly.
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