CHINA: China Telecom is said to launch the second round of TD-SCDMA coverage in 28 cities after the Olympic Games. China Mobile has reportedly issued the second-stage construction plan for TD-SCDMA network to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

In accordance with procedures, the plan must be approved by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The coverage will be expanded to 28 major cities.

The first stage of TD-SCDMA network covers 10 cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Shenyang and Guangzhou. According to China Mobile, the provincial branches of China Mobile will be leading the 2nd stage network building. Relevant equipment manufacturers have been demanded to have the equipment ready in volume before January 2009.

In another development, China Mobile will be subsidizing TD-SCDMA handsets during the Olympics Games. China Mobile has decided to provide six measures, including subsidization of TD-SCDMA handsets during the Games. It is reported that China Mobile will subsidize 1,000~1,500RMB per handset for users purchasing TD-SCDMA services during the Beijing Olympics. Total subsidization can amount to 100M RMB.