AN IT company has opened the first chain Internet cafe in Beijing after receiving approval from authorities.

The Asia United Telecom and Network Co., Ltd. said it would ensure the safe and reliable operation of its chain Internet cafes.

In the past, a number of disasters forced the government to close thousands of Internet cafes nationwide. Last year, a blaze in an illegal Beijing Internet cafe claimed 25 lives.

The government had since cracked down on illegal Internet cafes and urged the industry to promote reliable chain services.

In June, China issued licenses to 10 Internet cafe operators, allowing them to run nationwide chains. This was intended to raise the threshold for operators and stop them from accepting applications from small operators, which were believed to give minors access to pornography and violence.

"The chain cafes will play a useful role in helping youth learn and relax," said a company official, stressing safety and reliability.

The company will gradually open chain cafes in other provinces, he said.

The U.S. information technology company International Business Machine on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding with the company to tap the potential for Internet cafes in China.

 
Editr