Shenzhen-based ZTE Corp. is among telecommunications equipment makers and software developers eyeing Hungary’s third-generation mobile telephone market, Minister of Telecommunications Kalman Kovacs said Tuesday.

The other manufacturers that have bought tender documents for the country’s 3G license auction include, Qualcomm Inc. (QCOM) of the U.S., NTT DoCoMo Inc. ( 9437.TO) of Japan and LM Ericsson Telephone Co. (ERICY) of Sweden Kovacs said. Out of those, only Ericsson is present in Hungary, operating a research and development center.

These companies are unlikely to bid in the auction, but are looking for business opportunities with the winning 3G service provider.

So far 10 companies have bought tender documents for the 3G license auction Kovacs said at a press conference.

ZTE is examining the possibility of setting up a regional manufacturing and development center for Europe in Hungary.

(Shenzhen Daily September 30, 2004)