Ministry hints at 2006 3G rollout

The Ministry of Information Industry (MII) told domestic operators Tuesday to be ready for the rollout of third generation mobile telecoms services, state media reported. Ministry chief Wang Xudong told the MII's annual working conference in Beijing it was time to develop 3G, but did not set a clear timetable for licensing. Some analysts have predicted an early 2006 date for the handout of 3G licenses, while others expect it to be delayed by a looming industry-wide reshuffle.