A survey released here Thursday claims that more than 77 percent of Chinese mobile users are keen to buy 3G handsets when they become available.

According to the survey by the China Center for Information Industry Development (CCID), 17 percent of users say they might buy 3G handsets and merely 6 percent of users say they would not buy one.

Mobile TV, video calls and high-speed internet access are functions the 3G services subscribers are most looking forward to. Users are also clamoring for music downloads, multimedia transmissions and wireless positioning.

About 76 percent of users surveyed buy handsets worth less than 2,500 yuan (about US$320), including 25 percent of users who go for low-end mobile phones costing less than 1,000 yuan (US$128). Less than 24 percent of the users would consider buying high-end handsets that cost more than 2,500 yuan, according to the survey.

Handset price will be a critical factor affecting the promotion of 3G services, said the CCID. The fact that the price of 3G mobile phones will initially be higher than 2G handsets will slow the spread of 3G services, said the report.

China has more than 455 million mobile users and the figure is rising by more than 5 million a month. The country has been preparing for the launch of 3G service for years and is expected to issue 3G licenses next year.

(Xinhua News Agency December 31, 2006)