China Unicom launches 3G service in Macao

BEIJING, Oct.18 - China Unicom has launched its first ever 3G mobile phone service in Macao, the company announced on Wednesday. The service features high-speed data transmissions that can allow users to watch videos, play 3D games, and conduct video conferences. The company's 3G license is based on the US-developed CDMA2000 (code division multiple access) technology. In 2006, China Unicom won the bid by default since it was the only CDMA provider in Macao while four other rivals were bidding for another license based on Europe's WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) technology. Two cell phones numbers, one for the mainland and one for Macao, were embedded in one SIM (subscriber identity model) card, which can save on expensive international roaming fees for customers who travel to the Chinese mainland, said China Unicom. Fixed fees would be charged according to services used.