TMCnet News
China Telecom launches trial commercial use of 3G services in ShanghaiBEIJING, Mar 15, 2009 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- China Telecom (0728.HK; CHA.NYSE) launched trial commercial use of its CDMA2000 third-generation (3G) services in Shanghai Sunday. The telecom operator's 3G business will be rolled out in April across the country. Zhang Weihua, general manager of China Telecom's Shanghai branch, said that Shanghai Telecom would invest over six billion yuan in the construction of Shanghai Expo Park's communications project, 3G network, Asia-Pacific information hub, and small- and medium-size enterprises informatization. More than one third of the investment would be used for enhancing the 3G signal coverage to create high-speed mobile internet networks. Currently, Shanghai Telecom has finished the upgrade of about 1,600 3G base stations, and may boost the number to 2,000 by the yearend. The carrier has its WiFi hot spots covered over 4,000 public places and plans to increase the number to more than 5,000 by the end of 2009. China Telecom will have its 3G network cover China's 100 large- and medium-size cities by the end of March, urban regions of prefecture-level cities by May 17, and all counties and major towns by July 30. |