China Mobile said its capital expenditure (Capex) has touched RMB 86 billion – mainly focusing on 5G network — in the first half of 2021.
China Mobile focused on building 5G-oriented digital and intelligent facilities during the first half of the year. China Mobile’s capital expenditure at RMB 86 billion, represented 21.9 percent of revenue from telecommunications services.

China Mobile’s capital expenditure for 5G network was RMB 50.2 billion in the first half.

China Mobile’s mobile customer-base reached 946 million as the world’s largest telecom operator added 3.59 million in Q2. China Mobile’s 5G subscriber base reached 251 million, representing an addition of 86 million during the second quarter.

Opex

China Mobile’s operating expenses rose by 15.2 percent to RMB 381.1 billion in the first half of 2021. Opex represents 85.9 percent of operating revenue.

Network operation and support expenses of China Mobile grew by 11.4 percent to RMB 121.1 billion — due to completion of 5G base stations and data centers and increased investments in transformation including development of smart home business, DICT product innovation and business development, and construction and maintenance of smart mid-end platforms.

Tower leasing fee on a comparable basis was RMB22.9 billion, up by 5.1 percent year-on-year. Power and utilities expenses were RMB24.3 billion, up by 2.7 percent year-on-year. Maintenance, operation support and related expenses were RMB71.1 billion, up by 20.8 percent year-on-year.

Revenue

China Mobile’s operating revenue increased 13.8 percent to RMB 443.6 billion. China Mobile generated revenue of RMB 393.2 billion (+9.8 percent) from telecommunications services, RMB 16.5 billion (+12.6 percent) from SMS/MMS services, and RMB 47.2 billion (+29.8 percent) from wireline broadband services.