China Unicom’s, Chairman Chang Xiaobing said, they expect the government to accelerate the process of awarding licenses for high-speed wireless services. The faster wireless services will help the economy, said Chang. The government- led reorganization of the telecommunications industry is “largely completed,” he added.

According to a report, the government may delay awarding 3G licenses to the first half of next year to allow more time for the development of a home-grown wireless technology. This delay will affect China Unicom plans to introduce faster wireless services to challenge industry leader China Mobile Ltd.

It is anticipated that China Unicom may initiate 3G services as early as the third quarter next year if licenses are issued by the end of 2008, stated Chang. The company is ready to spend 100 billion yuan ($14.7 billion) in 2009 and 2010 to expand its wireless networks and provide 3G services.

Wireless Mobile Telecom Wireless News