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September 3, 2024
"Chairman Li Zhengmao extended a sincere invitation to NTT Docomo, KDDI, and Softbank to join the WBBA. He emphasized the opportunity for these companies to collaborate with more than 100 WBBA members worldwide in promoting the digital transformation and prosperity of the global broadband industry."
Li Zhengmao
Chairman of the WBBA

Leaders of WBBA and China Telecom visited Japan carriers

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From August 26 to 27, Li Zhengmao, former General Manager of China Telecom and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the World Broadband Association (WBBA), made a significant visit to Japan

During this visit, he engaged with senior leaders from leading Japanese operators, including NTT, KDDI, and Softbank. This visit marks the first exchange with Japanese operators since Li Zhengmao assumed his role as Chairman of the WBBA Board of Directors, underscoring the importance of fostering international collaboration in the rapidly evolving broadband industry. The discussions during the visit highlighted a shared understanding of the critical need for a robust and efficient industrial organization in the fixed-line broadband sector. All parties agreed that such a platform is essential for sharing broadband industry policies, innovative technologies, successful industry practices, and exploring future application scenarios. The consensus emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving the global broadband agenda forward.

Liu Zhiyong, Deputy Chief Engineer of China Telecom and Rotating Chairman of the WBBA Executive Committee, provided a comprehensive update on the development and achievements of WBBA. He also discussed the progress of strategic cooperation with key international organizations, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA). These collaborations are instrumental in aligning global standards and fostering innovation across the broadband industry.

The discussions covered a wide range of topics critical to the future of broadband. These included cloud-network broadband development strategies, broadband infrastructure construction, investment in innovative technologies, and sustainable development. Both sides recognized the importance of these areas in ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of the broadband industry.

Tan Yijun, General Manager of China Telecom's International Department, also played a key role in the visit. He outlined China Telecom's global operations and shared insights into the company’s approach to transforming into a technology-driven enterprise. The dialogue extended to innovative areas such as international submarine cable infrastructure, quantum security technology, and satellite communications. The discussions also explored the role of AI technology in promoting sustainable development, highlighting the potential for AI to drive innovation and efficiency in the broadband sector.

Through this visit, China Telecom deepened its cooperation with Japanese operators, reinforcing mutual understanding and laying the groundwork for future collaboration. The visit also provided a platform for discussing how the two sides can work together to advance the broadband industry on a global scale.

Chairman Li Zhengmao extended a sincere invitation to NTT Docomo, KDDI, and Softbank to join the WBBA. He emphasized the opportunity for these companies to collaborate with more than 100 WBBA members worldwide in promoting the digital transformation and prosperity of the global broadband industry. The Japanese operators congratulated WBBA on establishing an international platform for exchange and cooperation, expressing their appreciation for WBBA’s rapid growth to over 100 members within just two years.

Japanese operators also expressed their willingness to engage in further discussions about joining WBBA. They look forward to sharing their experiences and insights on global broadband development with WBBA members and other global broadband industry partners. The shared goal is to define the direction of broadband network evolution, bridge the global digital divide, and promote innovation in digital infrastructure. Together, these efforts will empower the digital economy to thrive and contribute to global development.

This visit marks a significant step in strengthening the ties between China Telecom and its Japanese counterparts, paving the way for deeper collaboration and shared success in the global broadband landscape.

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