3G Nears Reality in China

From Unstrung:

"China is nearing completion of trials of its homegrown 3G networking technology, and carrier licenses for "TD-SCDMA" networks could be issued as soon as the end of the year, according to reports this week.

That would be long-awaited news for Western telecom equipment makers who have placed big bets, in the form of partnerships with mainland operators and suppliers, on the 3G rollout in the People's Republic. It would also mean that, in some form, the new 3G services could still be ready in time for the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, on August 8, 2008."