While the new services were welcomed by some, others were not so enthusiastic.

    TD-SCDMA (Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access), China’s homegrown standard for 3G, is high-speed wireless connection services for 3G mobile phone users.

    China Mobile displayed six brands of mobile phones including ZTE U980, Samsung L288, LG KD876, New Postcom N268, Hisense T68 and Lenovo TD800 at exhibition halls in Nanshan and Luohu districts. In a Luohu hall, ZTE U980 and LG KD876 were sold out before 3 p.m.

    Many customers did not hesitate to buy the phones, despite only video-related functions being available. The 3G phone users had been promised access to faster Web browsing, on-demand TV programs and videos, apart from other services.

    Cao Xue bought a ZTE U980 for 3,800 yuan (US$535), the most expensive of the six brands.

    “It seems to be the best with dual SIM card dual standby. I am keen on the latest technology,” she said.

    Xiang Wenjun, manager of an advertising company, bought an LG KD876, because “it is the trendiest.”

    “I have been waiting for 3G services for years in China since I used 3G mobile phones in Europe in 2004,” he said.

    However, some customers expressed disappointment with the limited regional usage of the new 3G mobile phones which, for now, can only be used on the mainland.

    China Mobile Shenzhen refused to disclose Tuesday’s sales volume. The company started commercial trials of the 3G services in eight mainland cities Tuesday.

    (Source: Shenzhen Daily)