China's three telecom operators, China Mobile (SEHK:00941), China Unicom (SEHK:00762), and China Telecom (SEHK:00728), have gone all out in construction of 3G communications network and development of 3G users since gaining the 3G licenses on January 7, 2009.

The total investment injected thus far into the 3G network amounts to 160.9 billion yuan (US$23.6 billion).

--China Mobile invests 80 billion yuan

According to China Mobile, by the end of 2009, its TD-SCDMA (TD) third phase network construction project was successfully completed, and over 70 per cent of Chinese cities above prefecture-level were covered by the high-quality TD network.

The number of TD service subscribers exceeded five million, as the average addition of users per month increased 14 times in comparison with that before February 2009 when the service was still undergoing trial operation.

Altogether China Mobile has invested about 80 billion yuan in TD construction. By allying with provincial governments, the TD industry will generate an overall investment of 300 billion yuan and lead to 100,000 new jobs.

Currently, 266 TD terminal product models are on the market and over 150 service types offered.

--China Telecom extends 3G networks to towns

China Telecom made the fastest progress in 3G network coverage. As early as August 2009, its 3G networks covered the entire nation by penetrated into the county-level. Besides, it deployed wireless local area networks in China's major universities and colleges.

Statistics show that the carrier's 3G networks cover all 31 Chinese provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions, providing for more than 500 cities, 2,055 counties, and over 6,000 economic boosting towns.

China Telecom's 3G terminal product industry chain is rapidly maturing with the carrier's support.

--China Unicom constructs world's largest WCDMA network

China Unicom revealed that its WCDMA network now covers 335 large- and medium-sized cities, traffic routes, and key scenic spots. The carrier ranked as the world's first in terms of WCDMA network construction progress and network scale.

By the end of November 2009, the carrier developed 1.82 million 3G service subscribers, and the number is expected to surpass two million by yearend.

China Unicom's 3G handsets showed an outstanding advantage in terms of product maturity and the number of models. It took the lead by introducing Apple's iPhones, which augmented its terminal product choices.

The telecom operator has so far finished field tests in 33 overseas countries and regions outside the Chinese mainland and achieved satisfactory results. It will also offer high-quality 3G overseas communication services to outbound Chinese tourists.

China Unicom has opened international roaming services with 365 carriers in 217 countries and regions.

Source:tradingmarkets