Research and Markets: China's 3G Network Not Ready for Data Cards

• Press Release
• Source: Research and Markets Ltd.
• On 8:14 am EST, Tuesday November 10, 2009

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/512133/market_update_chi) has announced the addition of the "Market Update: China's 3G Network Not Ready for Data Cards" report to their offering.

All three Chinese telecommunication operators began commercial trials of 3G services in early 2009. The official launch of both 3G and related services took place in May. Data cards are the primary product used to promote 3G data services.

At the end of July, China Mobile estimated that it had over 1.2 million TD subscribers (the actual number was closer to 1 million), 15% of which were data card subscribers. Currently, we estimate that China Unicom has no more than 200,000 WCDMA subscribers; most of these are data card subscribers. At the end of June, China Telecom had a total of 1.2 million CDMA2000 EVDO data card subscribers — the highest among the three operators.

As of September 2009, the total number of 3G data card subscribers stood at around 1.55 million, far fewer than operators anticipated.

To provide a fuller understanding of the changes in China's 3G data card market, this report first provides a market status update, then analyzes current problems in 3G data card development, and finally, it provides an overview of 3G market development.

HIGHLIGHTS

• As of August 2009, operators had reached only 10% to 15% of their 3G subscriber goals for the year.
• Data card subscriber increases are being limited by network status and high data charges.
• Total data card subscribers may not reach our end-of-year forecast of 480 million.

Key Topics Covered:

In This Update

Introduction

China's 3G Data Card Market: Current Status

• Subscriber Numbers
• Operator Goals and Current Status

Market Development Issues

• 3G Network Problems
• 3G Data Flow Rate Very High

Market Development Update

• China Mobile's TD-SCDMA Market Update
• - Third Bidding
• - Development Update
• China Unicom's WCDMA Market Update
• - First and Second Bidding
• - Development Update
• China Telecom's CDMA2000 EVDO Market Update
• - First Bidding
• - Development Update

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/512133/market_update_chi

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716
press@researchandmarkets.com