China has finally given a nod to two foreign 3G technologies: CDMA2000 and WCDMA for use by mobile carriers in the country. The Ministry of Information Industry outlined the technical specs for the technologies, a first step toward the licensing of advanced mobile services in China. The country's homegrown TD-SCDMA will also be an option for carriers there. The appearance of being technology neutral "is more of a formality," said Duncan Clark, chairman of BDA China. "The government has to be seen as offering a level playing field." The ministry noted that foreign vendors will also enjoy "widespread" participation in the 3G build-out, which some say will calm fears that only Huawei and ZTE will benefit from the country's 3G spending. Good news for Nokia and Motorola, perhaps.
For more on China's 3G plans:
- see this WSJ article (sub. req.)