Alcatel Conducts 3G Tests in China

The China based, Alcatel Shanghai Bell says that it has conducted the first mobile voice, data and video communications in the open in China. These communications, the first in China outside a laboratory environment, were conducted today on a live, end-to-end UMTS system installed at Alcatel Shanghai Bell's 3G Reality Centre.

The 3G multimedia call was conducted on two 3G handsets in Shanghai, between the Alcatel Shanghai Bell 3G Reality Centre in Lu Jiazui Financial and Trade Zone and another site in Zhang Jiang High-tech Park, about 15 km away from the Centre. The call was carried over 3G base stations outdoors. Mr Chen Lixin, Alcatel Shanghai Bell Vice President for mobile networks activities, made the call to officials from relevant government officials at the remote site.

"We are proud to be the first to show today that 3G multimedia calls work in the open in China," said Andrew Young, President of Alcatel Shanghai Bell. "Today's call proves that Alcatel Shanghai Bell has a 3G network already operational in China which can support the full range of 3G applications over great distances, even in the open. We are happy to have helped make 3G a reality, and are already conducting research into 4G in our Research & Innovation centre right here in Shanghai."

The UMTS infrastructure network carries not only voice communications in circuit mode but also allows the transfer of data and high-speed video images in packet mode, in full compliance with W-CDMA 3GPP standards. As an integral part of Alcatel's worldwide 3G Reality Centre program, the Alcatel Shanghai Bell 3G Reality Centre has conducted numerous on-site tests."

Posted to the site on 4th March 2003