Legendary Chinese consumer advocate Wang Hai has now sued China Netcom because of the latter's supposed discriminatory policies for fixed line services.

Wang claims that China Netcom is discriminating against certain Chinese citizens by requiring a Beijing Hukou card from fixed phone service applicants and by only allowing non-Beijingers to use prepaid phone service in the country's capital. He says the prepaid service has an incoming phone display function, so it is a potential violation of other citizens' privacy.

But China Netcom denies it is intentionally discriminating against anyone. The company says it launched the prepaid phone service to lower its operating risk now that they often encounter many migrant worker customers.

The case is currently being processed at the Beijing Xicheng District People's Court and there is not yet any indication when a decision will be made.