China's Greaat Mobile Expectations

China Daily writes about the growing anticipation for China's release of 3G licences next year since it will want to provide services to participants of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

David Chamberlain at In-Stat said, "China's eventual course of action holds huge implications for the international market." According to the article, "the Chinese Government is evaluating a range of schemes for giving 3G mobile licences to different operators.

As the various industry powerhouses scramble to get a piece of the action, Chamberlain noted that although the "launch of 3G in China does not guarantee impressive growth" it will "enhance value-added services, increase average revenues per user, and give operators more control over the handset market."

In-Stat estimates "China will continue to be the fastest growing mobile phone market in the world between 2004 and 2010, adding up to 166 million subscribers. The projected growth rate is significantly lower than before, however, with an average monthly increase of 2.5 million subscribers, compared with a monthly average of 4.8 million over the first nine months of this year."