An industry source has revealed that China Mobile (NYSE: CHL; 0941.HK) is preparing to kick off the sixth phase of its TD-SCDMA network construction project, and predicted that planning could be completed in Q3 of this year ahead of a Q4 equipment tender. The sixth phase of TD-SCDMA network construction will install 127,000 TD-SCDMA base stations, 2.4 times the number installed in fifth-phase construction. Since 2009, China Mobile has invested a total of RMB 194.5 bln in TD-SCDMA. During the first five phases of network construction, the operator installed a total of 273,000 TD-SCDMA base stations.

According to the most recent figures, nationwide call dropping rates in areas of TD-SCDMA coverage have fallen to 0.31%, while wireless call connection rates have increased to 99.4%, and handoff success rates have increased to 98.2%.