BEIJING-In a post-SARS world, China seems to be coming back to its own as businesses try to rekindle the old gusto of investment in this market.
Nortel Networks Ltd., Datang Mobile and NTT DoCoMo are tops on the current list.
Nortel and Datang have jointly opened a laboratory to explore how to commercialize Chinese homegrown third-generation technology, TD-SCDMA. Also, Japanese operator DoCoMo announced it will establish laboratories in China to pursue mobile communications technology for fourth-generation technologies and beyond.
In its deal with Datang, Nortel said it has provided the core network while Datang provided the access network, adding the companies will conduct tests in the areas of interoperability, network performance and systems functions based on the technology.
“The laboratory is one of the most advanced in China on commercialization of TD-SCDMA,” said Robert Mao, Nortel president and chief executive officer, Greater China. “It demonstrates our capability and commitment in developing this Chinese 3G standard. The laboratory will promote further acceptance of the standard and enhance Nortel Networks’ leadership position in providing 3G solutions in China.”
The companies did not disclose financial details.
DoCoMo said its project, known as DoCoMo Communications Laboratories Co. Ltd., will promote advanced mobile communications technology in China and Japan “in line with the joint statement issued at the People’s Republic of China-Japan-Republic of Korea Information and Telecommunication Ministerial Meeting held last September in Marrakech.”
The project is capitalized at $5.3 million, according to DoCoMo.
Siemens AG also made a recent $30 million additional investment in its telecom factory in Shanghai.
