Source: CCTV.com

03-23-2009 18:03

Special Report:   3G blooms in China

As mobile operators promote their new generation services nationwide, CCTV reporter finds out what factors are influencing consumers' choice of 3G operators.

The three major mobile operators have promised the same level of charges for 3G services.

The three major mobile operators have promised the same level of charges for 3G services, the current second generation network. But most subscribers are now concerned over the need to change cellphone numbers while switching to 3G network.

A mobile phone user said, "I've been using this number for years and I have already got used to it. All my friends and colleagues already know this number. So it would be really inconvenient to change it."

For younger people, a smooth Internet access is important in their decision making. But other consumer concerns also include diversity of 3G cellphone models and international roaming service.

A mobile phone user said, "A sound Internet access service is quite important to me, because it will enable me to surf or have video chats on the Internet."

A mobile phone user said, "Many of my friends often go abroad, so it's important that their 3G cellphones have international roaming services."

China Mobile has said that its 3G users won't need to change numbers or file new registrations.

So far, China Unicom adopted WCDMA and China Telecom adopted CDMA networks and they have undertaken large scale commercial trials. But, the homegrown TD-standard adopted by China Mobile is facing its first large scale commercial trial. The limited number of related cellphone terminals has also impacted the network's further development.

But global mobile giants such as Motorola and Nokia have said they will invest more in research and development for the TD-network.

 

Editor:Zhang Ning