China orders phone companies to share networks

Regulators have ordered China's phone companies to share their networks amid an industry restructuring that is to clear the way for introduction of third-generation mobile phone service in the world's biggest mobile market. The measure is meant to hold down costs and avoid duplication as carriers roll out 3G service, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced late Monday. The rollout of 3G is expected to trigger billions of dollars in orders to foreign equipment suppliers as carriers upgrade networks. Regulators have delayed issuing 3G licenses while they restructure state-owned carriers into three groups, each with mobile and fixed-line service, in an effort to spur competition and innovation.