Those Years When I Was Forced to Top the Forbes List

Chapter 280 Waiting for a Negotiation

Thirty million a year.

This staggering number made the subsequent remarks rather dull.

How exaggerated is it?

Currently, there are fewer than 5 million mobile phone users nationwide.

The previous generation of China Mobile TD began trial commercial use on April 1, 2008, and started testing in eight cities including Beijing and Shanghai. It was officially licensed for commercial use in 2009, but by the end of 2009, there were less than 6 million TD users nationwide.

At that time, there were fewer than 1500 million 3G users across the three major networks in China.

Although those present may not know these things, they do have a direct comparison.

The rollout of 3G is a slow process worldwide.

Even in the United States, since the deployment of 3G in the early 21st century, the number of 3G users has only just exceeded ten million.

Even after the meeting ended, people were still discussing the figure, feeling that President Chen had exaggerated it too much.

However, both Deputy Leader Zhang and General Manager Wang, the two key figures, were somewhat aware of where this crucial variable lay.

After the meeting, most people didn't rush to leave after getting up, their eyes fixed on the two people in the third row who were talking in hushed tones.

After Chen Xuebing stepped down, he sat down next to Wang Jianzhou. While the meeting was being held on stage, the two continued to discuss things.

The moment the meeting was declared over, the two men raised their voices.

"Why are you so concerned about that little bit of upload data? I've said it before! The 3G era wasn't the era of video calls! How many people could afford it?"

"The functionality doesn't have to be used, but it must be there! The other two standards can pass the test, but TD lags, which affects the user experience. This problem must be solved first, as it is also an international acceptance standard!"

"Nonsense! China's PC internet hasn't even reached the upstream era, so why should mobile internet? Just getting the basics of browsing web pages right is good enough! Upstream interaction is nothing more than leaving text comments! Upstream speed only needs to guarantee one thing: stability! No disconnections when logging into communication and social software! What international standards? If they're not suitable for China, we have to change them!"

Wang Jianzhou frowned and tapped the table: "The key is that the other two standards are fine. These two standards will also be implemented domestically. Do you understand what I mean?"

Chen Xuebing waved his hand speechlessly: "Fine, fine, I won't argue with you! Anyway, our uplink to downlink configuration is 2:4. Dynamic time slots can't handle complex terrain and are prone to packet loss. Besides, there are only two options. The second option is 3:7, with an even smaller uplink ratio! We developed it to optimize the internet experience. If you want to ensure video calls for users, then build more networks! With more base stations, the speed will naturally increase!"

"Build more networks, and you'll pay me?" Mr. Wang was getting a little angry.

"If you don't have money, what the hell do you want a bicycle?" President Chen also started to speak sarcastically.

Suddenly, everyone realized that the two were arguing, and their faces were flushed.

And Mr. Chen actually insulted Mr. Wang?

"Both of you!"

Deputy Leader Zhang strode closer, not wanting the excellent situation he had just created to be ruined by this debate, and quickly changed the subject.

"Mr. Chen, is it really possible to achieve the goal of 30 million users in one year, as you just mentioned?"

Deputy Leader Zhang raised a question that everyone was interested in, and many ears in the room perked up.

“Definitely!” Chen Xuebing said.

“Possibly,” Wang Jianzhou said.

The two spoke in unison.

Although the answers differed, Mr. Wang's somewhat hesitant "possibly" carried more credibility.

“But…” Wang Jianzhou frowned, “Minister Zhang, how about we find another place to talk?”

“Okay!” Zhang Bu readily agreed.

Chen Xuebing also stood up, and the three of them walked out of the hall without exchanging pleasantries with anyone.

Just before leaving, Chen Xuebing turned back and said, "General Wu! Tell the reporters who came with me that the content of today's meeting should not be reported to the public!"

A somewhat presumptuous arrangement made Deputy Leader Zhang stop in his tracks.

The staff from the Ministry of Information Industry who remained in the lobby also cast questioning glances at Deputy Leader Zhang.

Deputy Leader Zhang hesitated slightly, then nodded.

The carefully prepared bombardment speech by the Tang Dynasty was thus sealed within this hall.

Of course, the embarrassment of the Tang Dynasty also remains here.

Just like Zhou Huan, who was still sitting in his seat, his expression was constantly changing.

The atmosphere in the hall became strange, and everyone stared at each other, a hint of excitement in their eyes.

Is it really feasible for TD to reach 30 million a year?

Mr. Wang said it was fine!
So, isn't spring coming for everyone?

The letters TD suddenly gained immense value in the minds of the nearly one hundred company representatives in the hall.

Cafe downstairs.

"Minister Zhang, our mobile network doesn't support TD upgrades, so all base stations have to be rebuilt. The ministry should at least help us apply for some funding support, right?"

"More importantly, the trial commercialization of TD must be completed as soon as possible, and the network must be built ahead of schedule. This will force more resources to be invested in the research and development of TD, and to improve the network quality of the TD network as much as possible." Wang Jianzhou and Chen Xuebing each spoke from their own perspectives, giving Director Zhang a bit of a headache.

"President Wang, I've heard that people inside China Mobile complain every day that the ministry is poor and can't provide much support. Do you really think the ministry can't hear you? Now you're asking the ministry to give you financial support. How am I supposed to convince the other ministry leaders? You need to give me some time, right?"

Deputy Leader Zhang shut Wang Jianzhou up with a single sentence.

After a moment of embarrassment, Wang Jianzhou said leisurely, "Leader Zhang, when Xi came to our China Mobile meeting, he said, 'Letting China Mobile dominate is a dereliction of duty on the part of the ministry.' How can we not have objections? Has China Mobile not worked hard in market competition to get to where it is today? Can we be entirely blamed for China Unicom's failure?"

When they actually sat down to talk, some past conflicts were brought up.

Previously, not every leader allowed China Mobile to operate out of a desire to support TD; some were more concerned with maintaining a balance.

Chen Xuebing coughed and tried to smooth things over: "Actually, if the construction time of the other two standard networks can be delayed by more than a year and a half, and they are issued after the Olympics, it will also be a support for China Mobile. As long as China Mobile starts operating early, this network can make a lot of money."

He's worked so hard for so long just so we could sit down and talk today. This matter can't be delayed any longer because of each other's attitudes.

This statement also reminded Wang Jianzhou: the sooner TD can be commercialized, the sooner it will recoup its costs.

Deputy Leader Zhang was wholeheartedly supportive of this domestic standard, and his attention was drawn to it: "You say you can rapidly expand market capacity by controlling the Huaqiangbei market? How confident are you in that?"

Chen Xuebing chuckled: "I can get MediaTek to sell ADI to me within ten minutes. Is there any doubt about that? As soon as 3G arrives, I will have complete control of the Huaqiangbei market."

Wang Jianzhou slammed his hand on the table: "You can't let all our terminals be pirated. MediaTek has a bad enough reputation, and we at China Mobile can't afford to take the blame. The TD network can't become a haven for piracy either."

Chen Xuebing raised his eyebrows and looked at Deputy Leader Zhang: "As long as the Ministry of Information Industry lowers the standards for approving mobile phone production, I can integrate those counterfeit factories into qualified mobile phone factories as quickly as possible."

As he spoke, he also felt a sense of emotion.

At this time last year, he was worried that he had become a piracy boss and that the legitimate manufacturers would report him to their superiors and make an example of him.

Now, he can sit at the same table with the leaders and negotiate terms for the counterfeiters.

"By the way, Director Zhang, we don't have a mobile phone manufacturing license yet."

What he once longed for is now casually mentioned as a worthless condition.

"We have a dual oversight mechanism now. Didn't your model go to the Telecommunication Technology Labs for verification?" Deputy Leader Zhang asked, then waved his hand: "The cancellation of the approval system involves regulations, and it won't be approved until at least next year after the National People's Congress. Never mind, I'll apply for a temporary license for you. Otherwise, the approval process will still encounter some trouble. How come such a big factory like yours doesn't even have a license?"

Chen Xuebing grinned, not wanting to speak.

Don't you know how difficult it used to be? Where did I go to get my license plate?
Wang Jianzhou laughed: "Otherwise, how could he develop his career in Huaqiangbei?"

Chen Xuebing cherished this opportunity for discussion and, unusually, refrained from arguing. With a serious expression, he said, "Minister Zhang, Huaqiangbei's sales reach across most of Asia. Now, African businessmen are also sourcing machines from Huaqiangbei. If this force is used well, it can be even stronger than those large manufacturers. Currently, developing countries haven't yet implemented 3G networks. If a large number of TD-SCDMA machines flood into those countries, and if we loosen the TD patents to allow more people to participate, given the low cost of building TD networks, we could very well push the TD wave across the entire Asia-Africa-Latin America region."

Deputy Leader Zhang's eyes lit up, and after a moment's thought, he said, "How much of a relaxation are you talking about? You need to know that the key to TD's current strong support from the higher-ups is the word 'independence'."

"TD's choice is the right one. In the long run, even if it costs money and effort and doesn't bring any benefits, we must embark on the path of independent research and development of standards."

Chen Xuebing gripped the sofa armrests with both hands and said earnestly, "But I believe true self-reliance is not about constantly emphasizing complete dominance. China's current technological strength is simply not capable of being both independent and excellent. From a patent perspective, what we should be doing more is 'defense.' Apart from the military industry, we should adopt a more open attitude to invite others to develop TD technology, participate in the research and development of core communication technologies, and embed our defensive patents into many international standards. As long as we make it so that the international community cannot bypass us and cannot deceive us with technology, that will already be self-reliance. As for dominance, I think it still needs time to mature."

Upon hearing this, Wang Jianzhou immediately nodded: "I think President Chen's idea is very correct! TD needs to forge its own path between policy-driven and market-driven approaches!"

“Our own path.” Deputy Leader Zhang sighed, then gradually smiled: “The path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, that is in line with the spirit. However, communications and military industry are inherently one. Since the Kosovo War, the military has undergone years of operational reorganization, embedding many communication modules. Electronic warfare and information warfare are of paramount importance. Defense awareness must be elevated to the combat level.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Xuebing also felt the pressure. At this level, it's no longer just about making money.

In his past life, Huawei carried many burdens, and in this life, as he enters the arena, he will carry the same burdens.

But isn't this also what he's pursuing?

"Rest assured, leader, we will take this seriously, and we will also strengthen our research and development of communication encryption and protection modules."

Deputy Leader Zhang gave him a deep look, then changed the subject: "In this regard, Datang is currently playing a role, so don't push them too hard."

Chen Xuebing smiled; so that's where the conversation was headed.

"How about we acquire Datang's Xinwei Communications as well?"

Deputy Leader Zhang's face darkened.

"Just kidding," Chen Xuebing immediately laughed.

He was very serious about persuading all parties to cooperate today, and he didn't want any unpleasant thoughts to arise.

"Datang can still be the official person in charge. In fact, their profits will definitely be substantial once the TD standard is developed. I just hope they won't be as domineering as before."

"Hmm." Deputy Leader Zhang smiled and patted Chen Xuebing's arm as he leaned closer. "As long as you are reasonable, I can coordinate things easily. Datang is still regarded as a life's work by many leaders in the ministry."

Chen Xuebing nodded: "Understood."

"When is your press conference?" Wang Jianzhou suddenly asked.

"There's still some trouble; we're waiting."

"What are you waiting for?"

Chen Xuebing shook his head and smiled without saying a word.

What he was waiting for was a negotiation that could not be mentioned at the moment.

(End of this chapter)