aren't all big telco's state sponsored is a multitude of ways? either by direct funds, tax breaks, support or expensive state contracts that the states have to use because there aren't any alternatives?
There's a different level with Chinese corporations.
Remember that China is a single-party system. You're either with the party, or you're not. In other countries, there are two (or more) major political parties to be aligned to. Any corporation that tilts towards one political group will lose power when the other groups come into office.
Ex: Farming corporations tend to be aligned with Republicans. Environmental corporations tend to be aligned with Democrats. While they get benefits when their party is in power, its hard to keep the subsidies going when the opposition enters.
That's not true of China. If you're with "The Party", then you get all the benefits of being with the party all the time.
> Any corporation that tilts towards one political group will lose power when the other groups come into office
not if they simply shift their campaign donations to the other groups. federal level politicians spend a huge fraction of their time constantly and aggressively looking for campaign cash.
Big telcos tend to get in bed with governments because they're a strategic intelligence source. Since companies can be gagged, no one knows for sure how much in bed they are. Choose as if choosing which government you want to spy on you.
any sufficiently large corporation is state sponsored yes. the original “too big to fail”. but telcos like ATT, Verizon, are more sponsored than telco appliance manufacturers.
That is fairly accurate.. the story of The Bell System is pretty interesting if not totally bizarre. Things are a bit more capitalist these days since most transport is IP and the commercial IT sector drives most development there, but cell networks are still largely the product of a handful of companies as PSTN switching and interface equipment were.
