China Unicom (stock code: 600050) plans to bid for a Hong Kong 3G license based on CDMA2000 technology, the China Business News reported, citing vice president Li Zhengmao.

Li said China Unicom is now in talks with several potential partners and evaluating operating requirements.

Some Hong Kong operators including City Telecom, Wharf T&T, are also interested in obtaining 3G licenses, the report said.

Hong Kong has issued four 3G licenses based on the WCDMA standard. This would be the first license based on CDMA2000.

In October, China Unicom won a license to offer 3G via CDMA2000 in Macau.