An industry group representing mobile phone equipment and handset vendors has urged the central government to reconsider its decision to delay issuing third-generation (3G) licences.
The Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), whose members account for about 80 per cent of world mobile equipment and handset sales, said it would lobby Chinese policymakers in Beijing next month to issue the licences by next year.
GSA president Alan Hadden, who was visiting Hong Kong yesterday, said China could not afford to trail the world in adopting the advanced services.
Reports at the weekend said China would postpone issuing 3G licences - although no exact date was given - dealing a blow to suppliers such as Nokia, Ericsson and Siemens, which are eyeing a market estimated at US$80 billion.
China is the world's largest mobile-phone market by subscribers, with more than 220 million users, or 20 per cent of the world's total.
A mainland professor who advises on telecommunications said 3G licences would not be issued before next year.
