Source: China Daily

01-07-2009 15:02

Special Report:   3G blooms in China

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has issued licenses for next generation, or 3G mobile networks. They were issued to its three state-run carriers on Wednesday afternoon. The world's largest mobile carrier, China Mobile, and smaller rivals China Unicom and China Telecom also received the licenses. The 3G network allows many new functions such as video conferencing and Internet access.

When is 3G available?
The issuing of the licenses does not mean that the service will be available immediately. The three carriers have different time tables. Currently, only China Mobile mobile phone users in eight cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin can apply for the 3G service. By the end of June this year, the 3G network will cover all major cities nationwide. China Telecom will launch the service in three to four months, while China Unicom did not give an official time table.

Is the 3G service expensive?
The three mobile carriers have all said that they will take full consideration of consumers' financial capabilities. And they have agreed to set the price equal to or a little lower than that of the 2G services.

Do users have to change phone numbers?
Both China Mobile and China Telecom say their users can enjoy the 3G service without changing their phone number. China Unicom said it hasn't decided whether it will do the same.

The 3G service is only available on special 3G cellphones. Many mobile phone manufacturers have begun to develop 3G phones. The price will range from one to six thousand yuan based on their functions.

Can 3G roam worldwide?
The 3G service is available in countries that offer this kind of service.

Will 2G mobile phones still be used in the near future?
Despite the 3G development, the current 2G mobile phones and networks will continue to exist. China Mobile says it will develop both 3G and 2G networks simultaneously. Experts say the replacement of 2G for 3G will take a long time and will be decided by the users and the market.

Click for more news in Biz China>>

 

Editor:Xiong Qu