China Mobile Expands to Islands

China Mobile has expanded its GSM coverage to the Xisha Archipelago, also known as the Paracel Islands. China has occupied the Paracel Islands since 1974, when its troops seized a South Vietnamese garrison occupying the western islands. The islands are claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan. China announced plans in 1997 to open the islands for tourism.

The network, which covers an area of 10 square kilometers and cost aproximatly US$240,000 to deploy 3 base stations.

Currently there are no indigenous inhabitants, just a few military garrisons. There are more than 500 mobile phone users on Yongxing Island, the largest island in the archipelago."

Posted to the site on 3rd April 2003