Chinese telecommunications companies are shifting from selling data by the gigabyte to offering 'AI tokens' as a new way to monetize the artificial intelligence boom. China Telecom has launched token-based pricing packages for various user types.

For years, mobile carriers have billed users by the gigabyte. Now, China’s telecoms giants are seeking to monetise the artificial intelligence boom by introducing a new unit of measurement to monthly bills: the AI token. On Sunday, China Telecom unveiled nationwide, token-based pricing packages aimed at a range of customers – from casual users to developers and businesses – according to information listed on the company’s app. Consumer packages, tailored for everyday tasks, start at 9.9 yuan...