China Telecom: 5G packages may require a new card, as 4G cards do not meet security requirements

With the accelerated deployment of 5G networks and the emergence of more and more 5G mobile phones on the market, more consumers are beginning to choose 5G network packages.

Previously, the three major operators claimed that to use 5G services, users do not need to change cards or numbers, and only need to own a 5G mobile phone. In addition, the three major operators have also launched 5G packages, and users can directly use the previous 4G SIM card to enjoy the 5G network after subscribing.

However, at present, China Telecom has reversed its stance regarding the three major operators' previous policy of using 5G packages without changing cards or numbers.

On May 13, a white paper released by China Telecom pointed out that at the current stage, users access the 5G network through 4G cards. The existing 4G cards lack the new functions and newly added card files and services defined in the 5G standard. User identity data is transmitted in plain text during communication, and the location information is not accurate enough, which can no longer meet the information and security requirements of the 5G network.

Moreover, with the in-depth expansion of 5G industry applications, it cannot respond well to the requirements of various business development, and users cannot enjoy the new experience and business services brought by 5G networks.

The white paper released by China Telecom may mean that in the future, users will need to replace their current 4G SIM cards when using 5G networks.

In addition, according to the latest data disclosed by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, as of the end of March, 198,000 5G base stations have been built nationwide, and the scale of package users has exceeded 50 million. Among them, according to the operating data released by the three major operators, China Mobile has 31.723 million 5G package users and China Telecom has 16.61 million 5G package users.