Chinese mobile operator China Unicom recently announced a plan to expand its GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) core network based on the existing GSM network, so as to offer GPRS service across all Chinese cities in early 2008, in time for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, according to Xinhua News.

The project, being the most important part of the company's 20 billion RMB network construction plan, also includes upgrading its GSM wireless network and HLR (Home Location Register), according to the same source.

It is reported that China Unicom's GPRS network - currently covering about 259 cities in China's 31 provinces - is expected to cover all cities in China by early 2008.