China Runs 3G Tests

The Chinese newspaper, the Beijing Morning Post has reported that several manufacturers have passed a WCDMA equipment test hosted by China's Ministry of Information Industry. The pass mark was awarded to Nokia, Ericsson, Siemens, NEC, Nortel Networks and the local firm, Huawei Technologies

The paper also listed the participants who failed some of testing process as being Alcatel, Lucent and the local firms, Shenzhen Zhongxing Telecom and UTStarcom. These companies are expected to be awarded some smaller 3G infrastructure contracts, but will lose out on the larger awards.

China is expected to award 2-4 3G licenses by the end of this year to the two incumbent network, and also possibly to the two landline operators. Infrastructure contracts can be expected to be awarded next year. "

Posted to the site on 9th April 2003