China Mobile takes on retail insurance

China Mobile has begun selling life and medical insurance in its physical retail stores, moving beyond its core mobile and broadband business. The operator is using its existing storefront network to offer policies directly to walk-in customers.

The company plans to roll out the insurance service nationwide, turning shops that once focused on SIM cards and devices into multi-purpose outlets. The move signals a push by China Mobile to squeeze more revenue from its large retail footprint by adding financial products alongside telecom services.