China Unicom group is looking at more alternatives after announcing plans to migrate its proposed narrow-band CDMA (code division multiple access) system to a third-generation (3G) CDMA 2000 standard.
CDMA 2000 is one of a new generation of mobile-phone standards. Another is WCDMA (wideband code division multiple access), which will work with Europe's GSM (global system for mobile communications).
Industry sources said yesterday the group's listing vehicle, China Unicom, about to launch a multi-billion dollar flotation, could roll out GPRS (general packet radio service) this year to help enhance its existing GSM networks. GPRS is considered an interim step toward 3G.
According to its listing document, the company has an option to acquire a domestic CDMA network from its group company, China Unicom Corp, which is mandated to build a CDMA network in the mainland, when the system becomes economically viable.
Industry sources said apart from the use of the CDMA 2000 standard announced on Sunday, the group company was also eyeing other alternatives, including WCDMA.
However, no decision has been made.