4G networks spreading faster than expected

BEIJING - China's homegrown fourth-generation (4G) mobile technology - a means of transmitting data to wireless devices - is moving ever faster toward becoming available throughout the world and its reach may exceed expectations in the next five years.

So say officials from China Mobile Limited, which is the world's biggest telecom carrier based on its number of subscribers and which has helped develop a particular technology for transmitting data quickly in 4G networks. Speaking in December, Li Yizhong, a former minister of industry and information technology, said China's 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015) places an emphasis on improving 4G, the convergence of telecom and cable networks, and radio frequency identification technology.

The plan is expected to be submitted for discussion at the plenary sessions of the National People's Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, both scheduled for early March.