China Unicom's Shanghai branch and Shanghai Daily are jointly developing 3G applications and an English-language mobile Website.

The cooperation includes a news service on mobile phones with daily headlines in English, a World Expo 2010-theme mobile application and a Unicom English wap portal (wireless application protocol) based on content from Shanghai Daily's Website (www.shanghaidaily.com).

"It will create a strong new media platform for both sides," said Shi Wenbin, Shanghai Unicom marketing division mobile product director.

The cooperation will help China Unicom, the country's No. 2 mobile carrier, expand its 3G service and applications. It will also help Shanghai Daily reach more handset users.

Shanghai Daily currently provides various information about the city, from the latest news to Metro line updates and restaurant locations.

The mobile platform is expected to support all major smart phone systems, such as Windows Mobile, Symbian and iPhone OS, according to Shanghai Daily.

In January, China issued 3G licenses to three mobile carriers including China Unicom. Based on the high-speed network, users can access services such as video calls and download films on their handsets.

China Unicom has adopted WCDMA (wideband code division multiple access) technology.

Meanwhile, China Unicom has signed an agreement with Apple Inc to introduce the iPhone into the domestic market by the end of this year. The iPhone 3G supports WCDMA.

More than 80 percent of overseas 3G users choose WCDMA phones.

(Shanghai Daily September 9, 2009)