14 DAY TRIAL // Sources in Taiwan were kind enough to offer some information about China Mobile's plans for the end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009. Here is what we’ve been able to find out so far.
The largest operator of mobile communication services in China, China Mobile Communications, is very likely to offer Android handsets in China, through outsourced production, the outsource being High Tech Computer, also known as HTC. If the name rings a bell with you, it’s because HTC is also the maker of the first Google Android phone, the already famous G1, which is currently available in T-Mobile US.
Chances of China Mobile carrying out this plan are great since, among other telecom carriers in China, it is the only one to join the Open Handset Alliance (OHA). Google, China Mobile (of course), Marvell and Borqs International (a China-based software developer) are all part of this alliance. Ever since it was founded in 2007, the alliance promoted a Linux-based open mobile system (OMS), which was intended to integrate mobile applications specifically for the Chinese market.
The carrier intended to introduce an Android-platform OMS handset in China by the end of this year, but, because its development was delayed and is now behind schedule, it is very likely that China Mobile will postpone the launch until the second quarter of 2009, the same Taiwanese sources indicate.
This makes it very likely, as an alternative, that China Mobile will cooperate with HTC to offer an Android handset by the end of 2008 – meaning, before introducing its own OMS handsets. The Android device will probably be modified to the TD-SCDMA 3G standard used in China, the same sources point out.
Another thing that makes it very probable for China Mobile to use the Android phone is the fact that, according to the sources, HTC is planning to set up a subsidiary in this country, with the main purpose of promoting cooperation with China Mobile.