While China Mobile has begun establishment of TD-LTE trial networks in seven cities in China and will offer trial services in the second half of 2011, demand for TD-LTE terminal devices including smartphones and tablet PCs in the China market is expected to emerge in 2012, according to Taiwan-based makers of networking/communication equipment.

China Mobile is responsible for setting up, operating and maintaining the trial networks based on the locally developed LTE (Long Term Evolution) version, and plans to start commercial operation in second-half 2012, the sources indicated, adding China Mobile has signed for cooperation with nine foreign telecom carriers to establish 27 TD-LTE trial networks in total.

China Mobile is expected to bring many business opportunities for Taiwan-based hardware vendors/makers, including Quanta Computer, Asustek Computer, HTC, Delta Electronics, as well as IC design houses, including MediaTek and VIA Technologies, the sources said.