Government still bullish on TD-SCDMA

The Chinese government has confirmed that it is committed to the development of its homegrown 3G standard TD-SCDMA, despite the poor results from recent trials of the technology. According to Business Daily Update, authorities say they plan to launch commercial tests of the technology later this year which will last between three and five months. Che Lingfang of the government-backed TD-SCDMA Industry Alliance stated: “The commercialization of all TD-SCDMA equipment will be completed this year, as planned.” Recent reports suggested that 3G licensing in China could be delayed because trials of TD-SCDMA equipment had shown the technology was unable to handle video calling. 3G systems are expected to be launched in China in 2008, with licences awarded next year.