Motorola executives say they are confident third-generation (3G) mobile-phone networks will be launched on schedule later this year, despite scepticism from industry observers.
The No 2 handset maker has put its money behind its prediction this month by introducing its first mass-production 3G phone, the A820. The phone will be sold in Britain, Italy and probably Hong Kong as service providers get the advanced networks running in the third quarter.
Ron Garriques, senior vice-president for Motorola's worldwide product line management, said: 'We expect to see 3G operational in a number of countries this year. We don't put anything on the shelf that is not going to sell.'
An analyst recently said there was zero chance of Hutchison launching 3G services in Britain on time this year.
Another, Andrew Seybold, said in an article for Wireless Outlook that even if 3G networks were ready, there might be a shortage of handsets as manufacturers were waiting until they had customers lined up for new products.
Some industry observers have said it would take until 2004 before 3G truly arrived.
John Thode, Motorola vice-president and general manager for 3G consumer products, said the negative spin surrounding 3G should be seen in the same light as the overly positive spin of earlier days.