Also, China Mobile SIM cards have internet access enabled by default (initially only M-Zone and Global Pass users could access the internet, and later this was extended to Easy Own users as well). If you don't subscribe to an internet package, you'll be charged per KB. Even though there's nothing particularly data-intensive, it's still charged per KB!

Some people are unaware of this but want to experience the novelty and convenience of mobile internet. As a result, quite a few people have their phone bills deducted in a single day, and some even buy a stack of SIM cards, only to throw them away when the credit runs out.

Guangdong Mobile is putting a lot of effort into promoting mobile internet. Their M-Zone ads are everywhere, featuring Jay Chou (the "Milk Tea Sister") as a spokesperson, and they're practically making a statement on their platform. They also offer rebates on internet packages and various other enticing offers.

I also tried to take advantage of these kinds of deals. After the discounts expired, I would cancel my internet service and the plan, then reactivate it to continue enjoying the discounts. You could say that aside from the first day I used China Mobile's mobile internet service, I never used it again until it disappeared.

Then there's Fetion, which was launched later. I only used it once. I didn't understand why the free Fetion charged me a service fee, so I only used it once as well. Of course, Fetion also disappeared.

China Mobile, the first giant to enter the mobile internet market, possesses channels, platforms, entry points, and traffic, giving it a natural advantage. However, due to various actions, it ultimately destroyed its own internet path and became merely a provider of mobile internet data services.

Subsequently, despite opposition and delays, WIFI was renamed WLAN and became a standard feature on more and more mobile phones, further weakening its role as a water pipe.

Even when Wi-Fi was just emerging, operators were still thinking about profiting from users by launching paid WLAN internet access services, clearly unwilling to be just a conduit (this money-making business also disappeared).

Once the most awesome website - Mobile Dream Network, once the most criticized website - Mobile Dream Network, may it just disappear forever.

No one misses the website itself, only the early days of mobile internet, those websites that weren't part of China Mobile's mobile internet network. Viewing adult images on 2G is something today's Gen Z can't even imagine.

Pony Ma's lips curled up slightly: "When luck comes, you can't stop it. Now that we're listed, we're just looking for a way to make a profit, and China Mobile has given us the opportunity. Tsk tsk."

Shen Fang chuckled inwardly, thankfully he acted quickly enough. Otherwise, he wouldn't have gotten a share of the profits from Tencent. This was a savior who brought Tencent back from the brink of collapse, or more accurately, a savior who brought domestic telecom operators back from the brink of collapse.

"However, Brother Ma, don't be too happy yet. You must know how much of a rip-off Mengwang is, right? They guide customers to spend money, deduct fees arbitrarily, and they'll probably get scolded for making money this way."

Little Ma waved his hand dismissively.

"So what if we get scolded? It's not like we're the only company that got in. This time, quite a few companies were included, including Sohu and NetEase. Besides, what's wrong with making money and getting scolded? It's our duty. And if anyone's going to get scolded, it'll be China Mobile. We're just an operator."

"Brother, do you think we should integrate our QQ coin recharge service with China Mobile, and also our Tencent VIP memberships, Blue Diamond, Red Diamond, Pink Diamond, and so on?"

"Of course, but what price is Mr. Lu asking for? How will it be split?"

"The 55% billing is honestly a bit outrageous. If we use phone credit to offset a 10 yuan service, they want to charge 15 yuan, and we can only get half of it."

Shen Fang stroked his chin: "You agree now? Anyway, Mengwang won't last long. Technology is advancing by leaps and bounds. 3G networks have already appeared. We can't keep profiting for many years. Once 3G networks become widespread, Mengwang's path will be over. We'll make money for as many years as we can."

"3G??? Wasn't it supposed to still be in the experimental stage?"

"Yes, but the initial testing will definitely be completed soon. This thing isn't actually that difficult; it's just a matter of operating speed and fiber optic cable. Technically, there aren't any major difficulties because it's already been developed. Moreover, Wi-Fi, or wireless routers, are already widely available in Australia, and it's only a matter of time before they enter the Chinese market. Once this thing gets in, we won't be able to afford data charges anymore, but that's still a long way off."

Pony Ma adjusted his glasses: "Wi-Fi can't possibly enter the Chinese market so quickly, and the higher-ups won't allow it. We can still enjoy the benefits for a few more years."

Note: 3G networks and Wi-Fi actually existed as early as 2001.