China has started trials of fourth-generation mobile technology also known as Time-Division Long-Term Evolution (TD-LTE).
The TD-LTE technology would allow Chinese mobile phone users to exchange data faster than that is possible in the present 3G networks.
The tests are expected to last 18 months, according to the country’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
The director of the telecommunications development department for the ministry Zhang Feng said China will complete the research and development of commercial equipment for TD-LTE technology in 2012.
The trials are being organised by the ministry and are meant to explore the commercial use of the TD-LTE technology.
China Mobile is overseeing the construction of the networks.
Companies which specialise in building telecommunications equipment like Huawei, Nokia-Siemens Networks and ZTE will also participate in the trials.
The tests will be held in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Xiamen.
