cdma2000 handset sales top 50 million

The CDMA Development Group (CDG) has said that the number of third-generation cdma2000 handsets in circulation worldwide has topped the 50 million mark. According to the group, at the end of May 2003 there were 53 cdma2000 commercial networks in operation in 29 countries, with a further 17 due to be rolled out in the second half of the year. It said 18 million handsets have been sold since the start of the year, with Asia leading the way, followed by North America. One of the most dynamic single country markets is Japan, where operator KDDI is adding around 600,000 cdma2000 subscribers a month.