Starting from 9.9 RMB, Three Major Carriers Enter the Token Business. Will Using AI Be Like Paying a Phone Bill in the Future?
China's three major telecom operators—China Telecom, China Mobile, and China Unicom—have officially entered the AI token business, launching low-cost token packages for individuals and businesses.
China Telecom introduced six trial commercial token plans. For individuals and families, prices start at 9.9 yuan/month for 10 million tokens. For developers and SMEs, plans range from 39.9 yuan/month for 15 million tokens to 299.9 yuan/month for 150 million tokens.
Shanghai Mobile launched a token service offering 400,000 tokens for 1 yuan, payable via phone bill. It also started an "AI Hui Shen Huo" upgrade plan for smart home products.
China Unicom's cloud division released personal and team token plans. Personal plans start at 15 yuan/month for 6 million tokens, while team plans begin at 198 yuan/month (approximately 200 million tokens). Local branches in Sichuan and Shanghai have also rolled out their own token packages and AI strategies.
This move marks a shift for operators, repackaging AI model usage (tokens) into familiar, subscription-based services like data plans. By leveraging their vast user base, billing systems, and distribution channels, they aim to make AI access as simple and widespread as paying a phone bill, potentially establishing tokens as a new fundamental utility.
marsbit05/19 01:13
