Key practical points:
• Operating telecom services requires a telecom business licence (basic/value-added); value-added services need an ICP-type licence.
• Foreign participation in telecom services is restricted by ownership caps and special conditions under China's commitments and investment lists.
• Pricing is regulated: some basic services carry government or guided prices, others market prices.
• Operators must ensure service quality, network security, and protection of user data and information.
• Using networks for unlawful activities is prohibited, and cooperation with network-security requirements is mandatory.
• Violations include unlicensed operation and breach of user rights, leading to fines, service suspension, and licence withdrawal.
🏢 Company setup
Telecommunications Regulations · Yalla China
中华人民共和国电信条例 / Regulations on Telecommunications of the People's Republic of China
Enacted: 2000-09-25 ✅ Effective: 2016-02-06
📝 Overview
A State Council regulation governing the telecom services market, licensing, pricing, network security, and user rights. It divides telecom services into basic and value-added services.
This is general information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed lawyer.
📜 The law text / key provisions
💬 Practical reading
💬 This is a general reading/opinion for orientation — not the official legal text nor legal advice.
Foreign companies wanting to run websites, apps, or internet services in China must note the ICP licence and foreign-ownership limits in telecom. Operating unlicensed is a serious risk. This is general orientation, not legal advice.
📎 Official source
gov.cn
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026