BEIJING, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities have pledged to promote internet services in rural areas for poverty alleviation.

Up to 99 percent of poor villages should have access to internet by the end of 2020, said an annual working plan jointly issued by departments including the National Development and Reform Commission, as well as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

The 4G network and optical fiber cable should be available in 99 percent of administrative villages, and e-commerce should reach all villages and towns, according to the working plan, adding that express service should set up branches in all townships.

The working plan also demands using digital technologies including cloud computing and big data service to support the prevention and control of novel coronavirus disease in poor regions.