Recent performance trials have proved disappointing for the Chinese mainland's homegrown third-generation (3G) mobile technology, TD-SCDMA. It lagged behind two key foreign versions in many performance categories and is far from ready for release and use.

The results from the state-run trials were released for the first time on Monday at the ongoing 3G in China Global Summit 2004 in Beijing.

Key problems included lack of workable handsets, dubious stability and poor reliability of TD-SCDMA's core network. Texting and picture messaging worked only erratically and the videophone function failed. There were also difficulties in receiving calls from 2G phones.

The other two 3G systems - WCDMA, based on Europe's GSM technology, and CDMA2000, a platform based on the US' CDMA standard - yielded satisfactory results, confirming that both are fit for commercial operation.

The failure may prompt the government to further delay the issue of 3G licenses if it decides to wait until the Chinese system is ready.

It may also affect how the Ministry of Information Industry determines standards and how many licenses will be granted.

(CRI November 9, 2004)