Taiwan may auction three 3G licences

date: 18th December 2000, source: scmp.com

Taiwan's telecoms regulator said on Monday it has drafted a proposal to issue three third-generation (3G) licences.

The proposal still needs the approval of the Ministry of Transport and Communications and the Executive Yuan, or cabinet, Kao Kai-sheng, spokesman for the regulator, the Directorate General of Telecommunications, said. No timetable has been set.

"We have sent a proposal to the ministry, but so far they have not responded," Mr Kao said.

"If the ministry approves the plan we will begin moving forward, but it will still need to go to the cabinet."

The 3G services provide for wireless devices to send and receive much greater amounts of data, allowing video pictures or CD-quality music over mobile phones.

Companies known to be interested in a Taiwan 3G licence include state phone company Chunghwa Telecom and Taiwan Cellular, the biggest wireless service firm, as well as Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing.

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