Internet conference highlights need for infrastructure improvement  

The World Internet Conference, which began on Nov. 19 and continues through Friday in Wuzhen, Zhejiang province, is the first of its kind in China. (Photo: CNS)

(ECNS) -- The need for boosting Internet infrastructure investment has been stressed at the ongoing World Internet Conference (WIC) held in Wuzhen, a water-side town in East China's Zhejiang province.

The WIC, which began on November 19 and continues through Friday, is the first of its kind in China. Internet gurus, media moguls and representatives from renowned overseas companies such as Facebook, Apple and Google have gathered to discuss topics related to cyberspace.

In his speech at the opening ceremony, China's Vice President Ma Kai emphasized the importance of accelerating China's Internet infrastructure development as a foundation for growth in other areas. Ma said China is willing to cooperate with other countries to raise bandwidth, improve telecommunications and boost research.

Pony Ma, President and CEO of China's leading social media company Tencent, said in a media interview that limitations in the country's cyber infrastructure have inhibited technological development in areas such as cloud computing and Internet of things.

He also mentioned the fact that China's average Internet speed is only 3.7 mbps, 71st worldwide, far behind Japan and the US.

IT analyst Zhang Zhouping said better Internet infrastructure is badly needed for West China and rural areas.