So if a signal can’t reach its destination on the first try, another device on the network can re-transmit the message, sending it out even farther in hopes of finding the device it’s trying to get in touch with.

Operators who frequently use data-based decisions see greater growth. The top ten data-driven operators – categorized by report views – saw 236% greater revenue growth and 193% greater transaction growth than the total sample during the same time period

The ban comes as Chinese officials are preparing for a twice-a-decade leadership shuffle later this year, with various factions within the Communist party jockeying for control of key positions and president Xi Jinping likely to further consolidate power.