The construction of the experimental network for 3G standards will start at the end of February, according to TD-SCDMA Industry Alliance. The test, mainly focused on homemade 3G handsets, is set to fix 3G handset's problems such as instability and backward compatibility.

"The test is the biggest one ever," insiders of the 3G Alliance said. Aside from China Unicom, three major operators -China Mobile, China Telecom and China Netcom will all participate in the test. The equipment used in the test will be provided by Datang, ZTE and TD Tech. It is estimated that up to 10,000 handsets will be receiving the test.

The Ministry of Information Industry implemented two outfield tests earlier, but both of them are small tests based in central cities like Beijing and Shanghai. The construction of the experimental network for 3G standards will be conducted in three other cities except Beijing and Shanghai. The three cities will be selected from Qinhuangdao, Tangshan, Qingdao, Baoding and one city in Zhejiang Province.

By People's Daily Online