The interoperability of short messaging services between
"Xiaolingtong" wireless phones and GSM (global system for mobile
communications) or CDMA (code division multiple access) mobile
phones is about to be launched this month, though the exact
timetable is yet to be set.
"We are conducting trial use for the service between Xiaolingtong
phones and GSM phones right at the moment and it is reaching the
final stage," Tang Liuming, an official with Beijing Communication
Corp, a subsidiary of China Netcom Communication Group Corporation,
said in an interview with China Daily.
He said its parent company China Netcom is in negotiation with
China Mobile to announce the interoperable service very soon.
"The service will be a nationwide promotion activity to boost the
existing Xiaolingtong service," he said, but refused to give
further details.
Rumor has it that the interoperable service will be unveiled this
month to give a strong shot in the arm to further boost development
of Xiaolingtong.
Xiaolingtong, also named "Little Smart" or PHS (personal handset
service), is built on existing fixed-line networks and lures users
with low per minute rates, one-way charges and cheap monthly
fees.
Now, many Beijing Xiaolingtong subscribers are able to send short
messages to GSM phone users.
Sources close to the Beijing Mobile Co said its "Gotone" GSM
subscribers users have to pay 0.2 yuan (2.4 US cents) for sending
each short message to Xiaolingtong users. Other users - such as
pre-paid service users - have to pay 0.15 yuan (1.8 US cents) for
the service.
On the other hand, the price for Xiaolingtong subscribers sending
to Beijing Mobile's subscribers is set at 0.1 yuan (1.2 US cents)
each message.
According to Beijing Unicom, its subscribers have to pay 0.15 yuan
(1.8 US cents) while sending a short message to Xiaolingtong users.
The price for Xiaolingtong users sending a short message to Beijing
Unicom's subscribers is set at 0.1 yuan (1.2 US cent).
"The connection of short messaging services between Xiaolingtong
and GSM and CDMA phones will definitely further popularize
Xiaolingtong services," said Yang Qing, deputy director of the
TeleInfo Institute of the Chinese Academy of Telecoms Research of
the MII.
Government figures show that the two fixed-line operators recruited
about 64 million Xiaolingtong subscribers by the end of last
year.
Both China Telecom and China Netcom, who do not have mobile
licenses, spent hundreds of millions of dollars last year on
Xiaolingtong as the service is designed to counter China Mobile and
China Unicom.
By the end of November last year, Little Smart phone service was
operating in 355 cities in the country's 31 provinces,
municipalities and autonomous regions.
"There is still market potential for the development of
Xiaolingtong, though the growth rate will gradually slow down,"
Yang said.
"However, as the Chinese Government is soon to roll out its 3G
strategies, Xiaolingtong is unlikely to continue its high growth
momentum," she said.
According to the government blueprint, both China Telecom and China
Netcom are likely to obtain a 3G mobile phone licence when the
country kicks off its 3G strategies.
As a result, operators will shift their focus to 3G related
development starting next year.
"For Xiaolingtong services, to enhance value-added services should
be the top priority to generate new profits as Xiaolingtong is now
gradually losing its advantage of providing cheap rates as it is
exposed to frequent price wars," said Dai Chunrong, an analyst with
China Securities in an earlier interview.
She said she believed that for Xiaolingtong equipment providers
such as UTStarcom, ZTE Corporation and Lucent Technologies Qingdao,
to enhance the design and function of Xiaolingtong phones as well
as enhance research and development is a must for them to maintain
their position in the Chinese market and overseas markets.
According to UTStarcom's preliminary financial results for the
fourth quarter 2004 last week, it expects to report fourth-quarter
revenues in the range of US$740 million to US$745 million, versus
initial predictions of US$875 million to US$885 million.
"Clearly we are disappointed with our performance in China this
quarter," said Hong Lu, chief executive officer and president of
UTStarcom in a company statement.
"The primary reason behind the lower than expected financial
results was the challenging market environment that UTStarcom faced
in the region."
UTStarcom's revenues from China operations were adversely affected
by several factors, including maturation of the PHS market, and
decreased capital spending.
(China Daily January 12, 2005)