Zhang Chunjiang, vice minister of Information Industry denied in an interview with CCTV reporter that China Telecom would be restructured.
For quite some time, a number of media reported that China Telecom would again be restructured, which has aroused great concern. One option said that China Telecom would be separated into two groups operating the whole country's telephone business and digital network by regional division; another option, which dominates the majority, said that China Telecom would be divided into two sectors, one provides long-distance call service, another operates local call business.
Whether China Telecom would be restructured is still unknown. So far, experts also hold two different opinions, one advocated for a reform, another suggested China Telecom's monopoly position be kept.
According to CCTV, most citizens agree to the reform, holding that competition would bring them benefits and China Telecom.
(People's Daily 05/24/2001)
