(Yicai Global) Nov. 15 -- China Mobile, one of China's largest mobile operators, has invested more than CNY180 billion (USD25.6 billion) in its fifth-generation network ecosystem and is planning to set up a CNY1 billion (USD142.4 million) venture capital fund, according to an exec of its investment unit. 

China Mobile is considering setting up a limited partnership fund to specialize in early-stage investment, Yuan Lihua, deputy general manager of China Mobile Capital Holdings, said at a press briefing yesterday.

Three-quarters of the CNY180 billion tally is direct investment, one-fifth has gone into funds, and the rest into convertible bonds, Yuan added. 

Beijing-based China Mobile has invested in voice recognition firm iFlytek, UCloud Information Technology, software-as-a-service company Channel Soft, and Xiaomi. Its targets cover the fields of Internet of Things, fintech, travel services, and new media. 

Since the establishment of China Mobile Capital in 2016, the unit has contributed more than 10 percent of China Mobile's total net profit, Yuan added. 

Editor: Emmi Laine