4G to be adopted within 3-5 years (2)

China launched the 3G service in 2009 and adopted three standards, including the home-grown technology TD-SCDMA, in the network construction. During the following years, Chinese carriers and the government poured billions of yuan into the construction and upgrading of the network.
According to figures from the ministry, China's 3G user numbers reached 47 million by the end of 2010, lower than the previous target of 60 million. The lack of affordable smartphones that support 3G services is regarded as a major reason for the underdevelopment.
In December, the ministry gave the green light for large-scale trials of TD-LTE networks in six cities, including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Xiamen.
The ministry, which acts as telecom industry watchdog, also said in January that it plans to finish research and development of the TD-LTE network, and that handsets are expected by 2012.
Wang said China Mobile is likely to adopt the TD-LTE standard. "But it is also possible China will allow carriers to adopt a different standard."
Miao on Monday declined to comment on whether China will allow multiple technologies in its 4G network construction.
Weekly review