China Mobile: 4G licensing expected by year-end

The chairman of China Mobile, the world's largest carrier by subscriber base, says the rollout of 4G technology in the country is just around corner. Speaking on the sidelines of the on-going two sessions, Xi Guohua, a CPPCC member, also said that the carrier is extending a trial of 4G networks.

According to China Mobile, the fourth generation technology offers 10 times bigger bandwidth and 10 times transmission speed than its 3G predecessor. The operator plans to build more than 200,000 4G base stations. The network, when completed, will be the largest of its kind worldwide, and will cover a population of more than 500 million.

Xi Guohua, Chairman of China Mobile, said, "We will further expand the current trial on a large scale network. We plan to build 4G base stations in 100 cities, and purchase 1 million terminals."

Xi also expects the government to issue its fourth generation license before the end of this year.

Xi said, "The timing of licensing should be in line with technological development. I think it is appropriate to do that by the end of this year."

China Mobile started its large-scale 4G trial last year. Industry insiders say if commercialized, the new technology will give a major boost to every part of China's telecommunications industry.