China stands to benefit from increased economic growth and overseas trade by confirming its choice of UMTS/WCDMA (Wideband CDMA) technology to develop 3G networks.

Speaking at the 3G World Congress Summit in Hong Kong (10-14 June), UMTS Forum Chairman Dr Bernd Eylert emphasised that the global migration to UMTS/3G networks and services will be a long-term venture, with a mass market not expected to appear before 2005-2006 at the earliest.

The UMTS Forum, the independent body which promotes the global uptake of 3G mobile systems and services, and 3G Americas, a new wireless trade organisation focused on the success of TDMA, GSM, GPRS, EDGE and UMTS throughout the Americas, announced today that they have signed a Letter of Understanding to promote the path for successful evolution to 3G for mobile operators.

The addition of powerful multimedia capabilities to next-generation mobile phones will drive industry's need for a new "IP Multimedia Subsystem" (IMS). This will enable the handling of smooth integration between mobile and Internet networks with tomorrow's rich service environment. A new report from third generation mobile industry body the UMTS Forum explains the IMS concept, illustrating its vital role in the 3G end-user experience as well as the benefits it offers to mobile operators.

With the commercial launch this week by German operator E-Plus of its i-mode mobile Internet service, European customers can enjoy an early taste of the services and applications that will characterise third-generation UMTS networks.

The UMTS Forum, the independent body which promotes the global uptake of 3G mobile systems and services, has today published its market study on the demand for 3G services post September 11th which concludes that the long term revenue potential for 3G remains extremely high, even with the recent market challenges.

3GSM World Congress, Cannes: Recent updates to the Forum's ongoing series of market forecasts for global 3G service revenues indicate that 3G still remains a substantial market opportunity worth $1 trillion over the next decade. Due to the current downturn in the telecommunications sector worldwide, the Forum predicts that short term revenues will be reduced by 17% through 2004 representing a total reduction in annual revenues of $10 billion to operators.

3GSM World Congress, Cannes: Inappropriate regulation surrounding the global circulation of 3G terminals could stifle innovation and natural market growth rather than protect 3G network performance warns The UMTS Forum.

3GSM World Congress, Cannes: 'Communities' of users linked by family or personal interests will drive early uptake of Mobile Multimedia Messaging Services on 3G networks, predicts The UMTS Forum. Speaking in the Panel Session 'Identifying The Value in Content and Applications' at this year's 3GSM World Congress, UMTS Forum Chairman Dr Bernd Eylert stated that consumers will lead the way with early adoption of MMS, ahead of business users.

The UMTS Forum has welcomed efforts within the Electronic Communications Committee (ECC) to finalise a decision on designation of the 2 500 - 2690 MHz frequency band for future 3G UMTS mobile services in Europe.