China says $41 billion to be spent on 3G

Chinese telecom operators will spend about $41 billion on next generation (3G) mobile networks over the next two years, the government said on Friday. In addition, China will support the development of core microchips, terminals and testing equipment as it expands network coverage, Minister of Industry and Information Technology Li Yizhong was quoted on the ministry's website as saying. Li said last week that at least $29.2 billion would be spent on 3G next year alone, while long-awaited licenses would be awarded by early next year.