Mobile Communications - A String of Announcements for China Deployments
May 28, 2004
Motorola has announced the set up of an application development center for mobile data services on Chinese networks. The company plans to assist local carriers in linking up with application developers, offering quality control, engineering, logistics, sales and marketing support.
Ericsson stated that it has signed a US$58 million contract with China Mobile's Jiangsu Mobile Communications, expanding their partnership on GSM and GPRS. Ericsson will provide Jiangsu high-speed services to pave the way for the eventual transition to 3G. The company will also provide the operator with network support and optimization, as well as technical and management training. The expansion is slated for completion by the end of the year.
Nokia China has gained approval by the Ministry of Personnel to run a postdoctoral program, which will enlist researchers to work on projects spanning 3G, IPv6, and Asian user interfaces. The company has also announced the establishment of a platforms unit responsible for licensing of the Nokia Series 60 platform and Java technologies in China. Nokia is also planning to cooperate with Chinese universities to transfer knowledge of Symbian technologies. Such transfers have begun at BUPT, Tshinhua, Beihang, BIT, and ICT/CAS.
At a press conference, Nokia stated that 40% of its global Mobile Phone Business Group phones will be designed in Beijing. Handsets developed at the Beijing center are expected to be entry-level models targeted at emerging markets. Furthermore, the company has indicated that it will establish a CDMA R&D facility in Beijing; the facility is scheduled for operation in June 2004.