The leading handset vendors, including Motorola, Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, are expected to launch sub-US$300 HSDPA-enabled handsets before the end of this year, following the recent launch of Nokia's entry-level 3.5G handset, the 6120 classic, which is priced at about US$330, according to sources at Taiwan channels.

A rapid increase in the numbers of HSDPA subscribers and the launch of HSDPA services by telecoms carriers has helped push the deployment of HSDPA phones by handset vendors, the sources noted.

The number of HSDPA subscribers totaled 7.25 million worldwide in the first quarter of 2007, with the total subscribers likely to reach 20 million by year-end 2007 and further expand to 56 million by year-end 2008, according to data and estimates released by market research firm Informa Telecoms & Media.

By the end of July this year, a total of 311 HSDPA terminal-end devices, including notebook PCs and handsets, have been launched by 71 companies, according to the Global Mobile Suppliers Associations (GSA).

In Taiwan, High Tech Computer (HTC), Qisda (BenQ) and Quanta Computer have already started volume production of HSDPA phones, with other makers, including Arima Communications, Gigabyte Communications and E-Ten Information Systems also to begin commercial production of HSDPA handsets this quarter, the sources indicated.