Laying fiber optic cables for China Telecom and China Mobile

Yes, China Mobile can lay fiber optic cables to China Telecom, and such collaboration is common in large-scale projects.

Feasibility of Collaboration

China Mobile and China Telecom are both state-owned telecom operators in China, and they frequently collaborate on infrastructure projects, including submarine and terrestrial fiber-optic networks. For example, the EMA (Europe-Middle East-Asia) subsea cable project involves China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom jointly planning and deploying fiber-optic cables to connect Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. This demonstrates that inter-carrier cable laying is both technically and commercially feasible.

Regulatory and Technical Considerations

Regulatory Approval: In China, state-owned carriers operate under government oversight, and joint infrastructure projects are generally encouraged to improve network coverage and international connectivity. The Chinese government supports cooperation between carriers for strategic projects, including foreign investment and international cable deployment. Technical Integration: Fiber-optic networks can be shared or interconnected through leased lines, joint ownership, or consortium agreements.

Companies like HMN Technologies, which manufactures and lays cables for multiple carriers, facilitate these collaborations.

Examples of Joint Projects

Submarine Cables: The EMA cable project is a prime example where China Mobile and China Telecom are part of a consortium to lay fiber-optic cables across continents. Domestic Fiber Networks: Within China, carriers often share fiber infrastructure in urban and rural areas to reduce costs and improve service coverage, which is a standard practice in the telecom industry.

Conclusion

China Mobile can and does collaborate with China Telecom to lay fiber-optic cables, both domestically and internationally. Such projects are supported by the Chinese government, facilitated by specialized cable-laying companies, and are part of broader efforts to expand high-speed network connectivity and global data transmission capacity. This collaboration ensures efficient use of resources and strengthens China's position in global telecommunications infrastructure.