China to Let Mobile Phone Companies Pick Own 3G Standard

China has promised to let its phone companies pick their own standard for next-generation mobile phones, the U.S. government says, despite industry fears that China would impose its own system. China has developed its own third-generation, or 3G, standard in an effort to reduce its reliance on foreign technology.

China has the world’s largest mobile phone market, with more than 400 million users, and decisions on standards can have far-reaching commercial implications for equipment suppliers. China’s pledge came during trade talks this week in Washington ahead of a U.S. visit by Chinese President Hu Jintao, according to a statement on the Web site of the U.S. Trade Representative’s office. [3G!]

Read More: The China Post