China Mobile (CHL) recently revealed its plan to invest RMB 70 billion (US$10.25 billion) over the next 3 years to build, upgrade and expand its wireless network in the rural regions of China.

Since 2004, the company has spent RMB19.5 billion (US$3 billion) to extend its network coverage into the remote villages of the country.

The largest mobile carrier in the world by subscribers has signed a pact with the country's Ministry of Agriculture to include more than 10,000 villages annually under its network coverage, enabling people in these regions to access the company's wireless services by 2012. This will translate into 98% coverage of China's rural areas by the end of the 3-year term.

Additionally, China Mobile will also promote its indigenously developed 3G technology-based services in these covered territories.

China Mobile's leadership position in the global wireless market is supported by a consistently healthy Chinese economy, increased consumer purchasing power

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