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China Mobile kicks off bid for TD-LTE terminal R&DBEIJING, Aug 05, 2009 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- China Mobile (0941.HK; CHL.NYSE) has launched a bid for research and development of the TD-LTE (long-term evolution) data card project, according to an insider with the leading telecom operator of China. Renowned telecom equipment manufacturers, including Datang Telecom Technology, ZTE Corp., Huawei Technologies, and Potevio Co., participated in the bid. The bid is the prelude of China Mobile's LTE trial which will be launched at the World Expo 2010 Shanghai. Zheng Jie, vice president of the carrier's Shanghai branch, said that China Mobile would establish and operate TD-LTE demonstrative networks at the World Expo to show technologies related to 4G subsequent evolution, and realize 100 percent TD network coverage and test TD-LTE in the World Expo Park. Mainstream equipment manufacturers are requested to offer TD-LTE appliances for commercial or pre-commercial use by the yearend, and provide terminal products, namely data cards, in the second quarter of 2010. Consulting firm In-Stat believes that LTE will be another gold mine for China's telecom industry after 3G. The consultant expects China Mobile to arrange LTE trial commercial networks in 2010, and roll out LTE commercial networks in a small scale in 2011. China Mobile had revealed in end-July when signing the third phase TD network equipment procurement agreements that those equipment would be capable of supporting LTE technology and being transformed to TD-LTE in future. |