China is poised to become one of the world’s major 3G mobile markets. While the local development of TD-SCDMA and its acceptance as one of three international 3G standards has been controversial, it has shown a fierce commitment on the part of the government to make sure that China becomes ‘a significant player’. During 2006, the government steered the local industry through the technology adoption/pilot phase for TD-SCDMA and appeared to be setting itself for the awarding of licences. By March 2008, however, no licences had been awarded. Will TD-SCDMA be given a head start in the market? This report looks at the tentative steps toward the awarding of licences and adoption of 3G mobile technology in China.
