It will take five years for fixed network services to reach the investment cap. Foreign investors in mobile telecommunications
are allowed a 25% share immediately on China’s accession to the WTO. After a three-year period, foreign ownership will be allowed to rise to 49%. Internet and e-commerce related businesses are value-added ones, which allow more flexibility of foreign investment. The openness to foreign investment, driven by China's joining the WTO, is expected to bring China
closer to global criteria in terms of policy and regulations.