China Mobile gets into the UK MVNO business

The world’s largest mobile operator – China Mobile – has decided it’s time to get involved in the UK market.

Its first move, announced today, is the launch by its international arm (appropriately named China Mobile International) of an MVNO called CMLink on the EE network. This MVNO is designed specifically to ‘provide mobile voice and data services designed for Chinese immigrants, students and professionals living in and traveling to the UK.’

“China Mobile’s ‘Big Connectivity’ strategy affirms its vision of becoming a leading global operator with innovative digital services.” said Dr. Li Feng, Chairman and CEO at CMI. “While China Mobile serves 880 million domestic mobile subscribers, CMI – its operating subsidiary responsible for international business – is breaking new ground in overseas markets.

“With the growing business and cultural exchanges between China and the UK, the launch of CMI’s CMLink MVNO, enables Chinese communities to stay connected with family, friends and business partners anytime, anywhere. We expect the UK launch to be a new chapter in CMI delivering compelling digital services that break down barriers of communication for global consumers while fostering open exchange between Belt and Road companies.”

BT also said something but it is such a perfect mix of generic banality and unbridled self-promotion that we’ll spare you the details. Instead, here are the key features of this MVNO according to the announcement.

You can get a free CMLink SIM card from today, so what are you waiting for?