Chunghwa Telecom

Corporate brand

Taiwan's largest integrated telecommunications operator, providing fixed-line, mobile, broadband, enterprise, cloud, and international communication services.

Last updated November 4, 2026

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Overview

Chunghwa Telecom is Taiwan's largest integrated telecommunications service provider and one of the country's most important communications infrastructure companies. Its principal activities span fixed-line voice services, mobile communications, broadband internet access, data communications, international connectivity, enterprise networking, information and communications technology, cloud services, and related digital products. The company serves households, businesses, public-sector organizations, and international customers requiring connectivity into or through Taiwan. The company was established in 1996 during Taiwan's transition from a state-operated telecommunications monopoly toward a more competitive market. Before corporatization, telecommunications operations had been managed for more than a century as part of the Directorate General of Telecommunications, a government organization under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. The creation of Chunghwa Telecom separated commercial telecommunications operations from direct government administration and provided a corporate vehicle for the gradual liberalization of the industry. Chunghwa Telecom initially inherited a broad operating structure covering northern, central, and southern Taiwan telecommunications operations, long-distance and mobile communications, international telecommunications, data communications, research, and training. This gave it an unusually comprehensive network and customer base. Its historical fixed-line footprint and infrastructure also provided a foundation for later broadband, mobile, enterprise, and digital-service expansion. The company became publicly traded on the Taiwan Stock Exchange in 2000 under ticker 2412. Its American depositary shares were listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2003 under the symbol CHT. The Taiwanese government's ownership fell below 50 percent in 2005, marking the formal transition to a privatized company while the state remained a significant shareholder. Chunghwa Telecom has continued to operate as a publicly listed company with a strong domestic infrastructure position and substantial government-related importance. Its consumer portfolio includes traditional and next-generation fixed communications, mobile voice and data services, broadband internet, television and digital content offerings, and associated devices and customer services. HiNet is the company's best-known broadband and internet-service brand, while emome has been associated with its mobile services. For business customers, the company provides dedicated connectivity, data communications, cloud computing, systems integration, cybersecurity, hosting, international communications, and other ICT services. Subsidiaries and affiliated operations extend the group's activities into telecommunications distribution, systems integration, investments, international services, digital media, security, and technology-related businesses. Technology transitions have been central to the company's development. Chunghwa Telecom received a second-generation mobile license in 1997, became Taiwan's first operator to launch commercial 4G LTE service in 2014, and launched Taiwan's first 5G New Radio network in 2020. Its 5G proposition has included enhanced mobile connectivity and digital services such as cloud gaming developed with external technology partners. The company has also participated in spectrum acquisitions and network modernization as Taiwan's mobile market has shifted from voice toward high-capacity data, cloud, and digital ecosystems. Chunghwa Telecom's positioning combines national-scale infrastructure, broad service coverage, network reliability, and a full-service portfolio. It competes in a liberalized market with other Taiwanese operators while retaining advantages associated with its historical fixed network, scale, enterprise relationships, and infrastructure investment. In addition to commercial performance, the company has emphasized sustainability and has been included in international sustainability indexes and assessments. In 2025, however, Google announced that it would stop trusting future versions of Chrome with public-key certificates issued by Chunghwa Telecom, citing compliance and incident-response concerns. That development highlighted the operational and reputational risks faced by infrastructure providers whose services support internet security as well as connectivity.

History

Chunghwa Telecom emerged from Taiwan's government telecommunications administration during a period of institutional and market reform. For more than a century before the company's creation, the Directorate General of Telecommunications operated the country's telecommunications services. That arrangement supported nationwide network development but also represented a state monopoly. Beginning in the late 1980s, Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation and Communications promoted telecommunications liberalization, with the objectives of opening the sector to private operators, separating government administration from commercial operations, and improving service quality through competition. Chunghwa Telecom was founded on June 15, 1996 as part of this corporatization and privatization process. Following an amendment to the Telecommunications Act, the Chunghwa Telecom Ordinance took effect on July 1, 1996. The new company was established with capital of NT$96.477 billion and inherited a broad operating structure. Its units covered northern, central, and southern Taiwan telecommunications operations, long-distance and mobile communications, international telecommunications, data communications, research, and professional training. This structure allowed the company to continue operating the country's extensive fixed network while developing new services in a progressively competitive environment. In 1997, Chunghwa Telecom received a license for second-generation mobile communications using GSM frequencies in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands. Mobile communications subsequently became a major growth area alongside fixed voice and broadband. The company was listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange in October 2000 under number 2412. In July 2003, its American depositary shares began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CHT. The Taiwanese government's stake was reduced to below 50 percent in August 2005, completing the company's transition to a privatized corporate structure, although the state remained an important shareholder. The company expanded its commercial and distribution capabilities during the 2000s. In 2007, it acquired Senao International, which became an exclusive sales agent for Chunghwa Telecom mobile phones. The same year, Chunghwa Telecom created an enterprise-customer division within its southern telecommunications organization, reflecting the increasing importance of corporate connectivity and information technology services. The group also developed and maintained subsidiaries and affiliated companies involved in systems integration, international operations, investment, digital media, security, distribution, and related technology activities. Network evolution accelerated in the 2010s. In October 2013, Chunghwa Telecom acquired spectrum in an auction for approximately NT$39.075 billion, including 900 MHz and 1800 MHz LTE-related bands. In May 2014, it announced the launch of commercial 4G LTE service, becoming Taiwan's first operator to offer LTE. The move shifted the company's mobile proposition toward high-speed data and helped establish the network platform for later digital services. On June 30, 2020, Chunghwa Telecom launched Taiwan's first 5G NR network. The company presented 5G as more than a faster mobile-access layer, linking it with services such as cloud gaming developed with Gamestream and Intel. The 5G era also strengthened the company's focus on enterprise connectivity, cloud computing, data services, cybersecurity, and other ICT offerings. Chunghwa Telecom has continued to operate as a major publicly listed Taiwanese infrastructure provider. Its sustainability profile received recognition through selection for the 2022 Dow Jones Sustainability Indices World and Emerging Markets indexes and a top-five-percent telecommunications-group result in the 2023 S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook. In May 2023, president Shui-Yi Kuo was appointed chairman, succeeding Chi-Mau Sheih. In May 2025, Google announced that future Chrome versions would no longer trust public-key certificates issued by Chunghwa Telecom, citing compliance shortcomings and responses to security incident reports. The event became a significant reputational and cybersecurity issue for the company and demonstrated the importance of certificate-authority governance to modern telecommunications operators.

2025
Google announces certificate-trust action
[1]Chunghwa Telecomen.wikipedia.org
Google announced that future Chrome versions would no longer trust public-key certificates issued by Chunghwa Telecom.
2023
Chairman succession
[1]Chunghwa Telecomen.wikipedia.org
Shui-Yi Kuo became chairman, succeeding Chi-Mau Sheih.
2022
Dow Jones Sustainability Index recognition
[1]Chunghwa Telecomen.wikipedia.org
The company was selected for the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices World and Emerging Markets indexes.
2020
5G NR network launch
[1]Chunghwa Telecomen.wikipedia.org
Chunghwa Telecom launched Taiwan's first 5G New Radio network.
2014
Commercial 4G LTE launch
[1]Chunghwa Telecomen.wikipedia.org
Chunghwa Telecom launched Taiwan's first 4G LTE service.
2013
LTE spectrum acquisition
[1]Chunghwa Telecomen.wikipedia.org
The company acquired 900 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum at auction for approximately NT$39.075 billion.
2007
Senao International acquisition
[1]Chunghwa Telecomen.wikipedia.org
Chunghwa Telecom acquired Senao International, which became an exclusive sales agent for its mobile phones.
2005
Government ownership falls below 50 percent
[1]Chunghwa Telecomen.wikipedia.org
The Taiwanese government's ownership was reduced below 50 percent, completing the company's formal privatization.
2003
New York Stock Exchange ADS listing
[1]Chunghwa Telecomen.wikipedia.org
The company's American depositary shares began trading on the NYSE under symbol CHT.
2000
Taiwan Stock Exchange listing
[1]Chunghwa Telecomen.wikipedia.org
Common shares began trading on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under number 2412.
1997
Second-generation mobile license awarded
[1]Chunghwa Telecomen.wikipedia.org
Chunghwa Telecom received authorization to operate a GSM 900 MHz and 1800 MHz second-generation mobile network.
1996
Chunghwa Telecom is established
[1]Chunghwa Telecomen.wikipedia.org
The company was founded during Taiwan's telecommunications corporatization and liberalization program, succeeding the commercial telecommunications functions of the Directorate General of Telecommunications.

Products and positioning

A nationwide, full-service telecommunications and ICT provider emphasizing network scale, reliability, coverage, technology leadership, and integrated consumer and enterprise services.

Broadband and internet services
HiNet
HiNet is Chunghwa Telecom's principal consumer-facing internet and broadband service brand. It represents the company's fixed-network connectivity offering and is associated with broadband access, internet services, and related digital products. HiNet benefits from Chunghwa Telecom's nationwide fixed infrastructure and forms a central part of the company's household communications portfolio.
Mobile communications
emome
emome is associated with Chunghwa Telecom's mobile service portfolio. The offering covers mobile communications and data services delivered through the company's successive GSM, LTE, and 5G network generations. It has served as a consumer-facing identity for mobile connectivity, plans, and related digital services.
Mobile network · 2014
4G LTE services
Chunghwa Telecom's 4G LTE service began commercial operation in May 2014 after the company acquired relevant 900 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum. The launch made it Taiwan's first telecommunications operator to provide LTE service and established a high-capacity mobile-data platform for smartphones, broadband substitution, and digital applications.
Mobile network · 2020
5G NR services
The company's 5G New Radio network launched on June 30, 2020, making Chunghwa Telecom the first Taiwanese operator to launch a 5G NR network. The service supports higher-capacity mobile connectivity and has been presented alongside digital offerings such as cloud gaming and enterprise applications.
Enterprise technology services
Enterprise cloud and ICT services
Chunghwa Telecom provides business and institutional customers with connectivity, data communications, cloud computing, systems integration, cybersecurity, hosting, and international communications. These services extend the company beyond consumer access into managed technology infrastructure and digital transformation support.

Controversies

2025
Google certificate-trust action
Google announced that future versions of Chrome would no longer trust public-key certificates issued by Chunghwa Telecom, citing failures to satisfy compliance standards and appropriately address security incident reports. The announcement raised concerns about certificate-authority governance, security processes, and the reliability obligations of a major telecommunications infrastructure provider.
Source

20205G service launch and cloud-gaming package
Taiwan
At the launch of its 5G network, Chunghwa Telecom promoted new-generation mobile connectivity together with cloud gaming developed in cooperation with Gamestream and Intel.
Outcome. The launch established Chunghwa Telecom as Taiwan's first 5G NR operator and expanded its 5G proposition beyond connectivity.
Source

Brand decisions

2023
Chairman successionOther
Background
Chunghwa Telecom was undergoing a leadership transition after operating as a major listed telecommunications infrastructure company.
Action taken
The company appointed president Shui-Yi Kuo as chairman, succeeding Chi-Mau Sheih.
Aftermath
Kuo became the company's chairman and remained identified in the reference material as the current chairman.
Source
2020
Launch of 5G NR networkProduct launch
Background
Mobile customers and enterprise users were increasingly seeking greater capacity, lower latency, and services built on high-speed wireless networks.
Action taken
Chunghwa Telecom launched Taiwan's first 5G New Radio network on June 30 and promoted related digital services including cloud gaming.
Aftermath
The company strengthened its position as an early 5G operator and expanded its mobile proposition toward digital applications.
Source
2014
Launch of commercial 4G LTEProduct launch
Background
The company had acquired LTE-related spectrum and was preparing to move its mobile network from earlier generations toward higher-speed data service.
Action taken
Chunghwa Telecom launched commercial 4G LTE service on May 30.
Aftermath
It became Taiwan's first telecommunications operator to offer LTE service.
Source
2013
Acquisition of LTE spectrumGeneration change
Background
Mobile communications were shifting toward high-speed data and fourth-generation network technology.
Action taken
Chunghwa Telecom acquired 900 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum in an auction.
Aftermath
The spectrum enabled the company's subsequent commercial 4G LTE launch in Taiwan.
Spectrum acquisition price. NT$39.075 billion (October 2013)
Source
2005
Formal privatizationStrategy
Background
The government continued reducing its ownership as Taiwan's telecommunications market became more open to private operators.
Action taken
Government ownership was reduced below 50 percent.
Aftermath
Chunghwa Telecom continued as a listed company with a private-sector corporate structure and the state as an important shareholder.
Source
1996
Corporatization during telecommunications liberalizationStrategy
Background
Taiwan sought to separate government administration from commercial telecommunications operations and gradually open the sector to private competition.
Action taken
The government established Chunghwa Telecom as a corporation succeeding the telecommunications business functions of the Directorate General of Telecommunications.
Aftermath
The company became the principal incumbent operator in Taiwan while the broader market moved toward competition and privatization.
Source

Recent events

2026-10-22
CHT establishes AI and intelligent imaging unit[3]CHT成立AI与智慧影像事业单位digitimes.com
Reported: 2026-10-23
Chunghwa Telecom (CHT) established Chunghwa Yaocih Technology to expand into AI and intelligent imaging.
2026-10-12
Chunghwa Telecom launches 'Anti-Fraud Guardian' (防詐守衛) app service[4]中华电信推出「防诈守卫」APP服务ettoday.net
Reported: 2026-10-12
Chunghwa Telecom launched its 'Anti-Fraud Guardian' (防詐守衛) app service on October 12, 2026. The app, developed by Chunghwa Telecom Research Institute, offers caller identification and blocking, SMS filtering, and VPN-level web protection against fraud calls, scam messages, and phishing sites. Seven basic functions are free for all users regardless of carrier; from launch until December 31, 2026, users entering a designated serial number get 90 days of advanced features (valued at NT$270) free, and Chunghwa Telecom mobile customers who register also receive a 3GB mobile data voucher.
2022-02-15
Chunghwa Telecom sponsors Taiwan Lantern Festival main lantern[5]中华电信赞助2022台湾灯会主灯chinatimes.com
Reported: 2022-02-15
Chunghwa Telecom was the sole telecommunications sponsor of the main lantern at the 2022 Taiwan Lantern Festival.
2021-12-08
Chunghwa Telecom opens a new Taipei East service center with 7-ELEVEN[6]中华电信与7-ELEVEN合作开设台北东区服务中心chinatimes.com
Reported: 2021-12-08
Chunghwa Telecom opened its new-generation Taipei East service center on December 8, in cooperation with 7-ELEVEN. The center combines telecom services with a range of retail offerings.
Unconfirmed
Chunghwa Telecom and Chunghwa Telecom Security International launch HiNet WAF[7]中华电信与中华资安国际推出HiNet WAFithome.com.tw
Chunghwa Telecom and Chunghwa Telecom Security International launched the HiNet WAF website application firewall service to help protect business websites from attacks.
2021-09-24
Chunghwa Telecom announces planned closure of its Taipei Xinyi Vieshow store[8]中华电信宣布计划于年底关闭台北信义威秀门市chinatimes.com
Reported: 2021-09-24
Chunghwa Telecom said it would close its Taipei Xinyi Vieshow store at the end of the year and transfer operations to its Taipei East District service center.
2021-08-24
AAEON, NTUST and Chunghwa Telecom partner on 5G testing site[9]AAEON、NTUST 与中华电信合作建设 5G 测试场地automation.com
AAEON partnered with the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology and Chunghwa Telecom to help create a 5G smart manufacturing research and validation site. AAEON provided the hardware for the MEC server.
Unconfirmed
Chunghwa Telecom and Cisco sign 5G cooperation memorandum[10]中华电信与思科签署5G合作备忘录ithome.com.tw
Chunghwa Telecom and Cisco announced that they had signed a memorandum of cooperation to expand collaboration and conduct integration testing in 5G technologies, systems, applications, and solutions, including testing with Taiwanese O-RAN equipment.
2021-07-01
STL and Chunghwa Telecom complete FTTx proof of concept[11]STL与中华电信完成FTTx概念验证business-standard.com
Reported: 2021-07-01
Sterlite Technologies announced that it completed a proof-of-concept collaboration with Chunghwa Telecom for programmable FTTx software, including integration with Chunghwa's commercial network.
2021-03-17
Chunghwa Telecom launches 5G small-cell IoDT network[12]中华电信推出5G small cell IoDT网络finance.sina.com.cn
Reported: 2021-03-17
Chunghwa Telecom launched a 5G small-cell IoDT network to help Taiwanese network-equipment manufacturers develop and test their equipment and solutions.

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