Telecom Operators Scale Up Computing Power Investment to 100 Billion: AIDC and Token Monetization Paths Emerge
China’s major telecommunications operators are significantly increasing their capital expenditure in computing infrastructure, with investment projections climbing from 37 billion yuan to over 100 billion yuan. This surge is largely driven by the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence Data Centers (AIDC) and the evolving necessity to support large-scale model training and deployment.
Industry analysts note that the focus is shifting from basic infrastructure construction to high-value monetization paths. The concept of ‘Token’ monetization is becoming increasingly clear, as operators seek to leverage their vast data resources and network advantages to create sustainable revenue streams in the AI era. This strategic pivot is being discussed at various industry forums, such as the recent event in Guangzhou, which highlighted the fundamental transformation occurring within the computing power supply chain.
Regional initiatives are also playing a crucial role in this expansion. For instance, Guangxi Mobile is actively building a ‘digital intelligence foundation’ aimed at serving both the local market and the broader ASEAN region. By integrating advanced computing capabilities with regional strategic needs, these operators are positioning themselves as key players in the global digital economy.
Innovation remains at the forefront of these efforts. China Mobile has officially launched its ‘6G Intelligent Application Co-creation Action,’ signaling a long-term commitment to leading the next generation of telecommunications technology. This initiative aims to foster an ecosystem where developers and industry partners can collaborate on 6G-enabled services. Additionally, at various trade exhibitions, ‘digital intelligence partners’ are showcasing how these new technologies can be applied to practical scenarios, ranging from industrial automation to smart city management. As the industry continues to evolve, the synergy between massive infrastructure investment and innovative service models is expected to redefine the competitive landscape for China’s telecom giants.
Sources: Cailian Press
Aggregated summary. Original: 财联社