ZTE Corp announced on Thursday that it inked a 3G handsets agreement with Hutchison 3G, the largest 3G operator in the world to supply WCDMA handsets in batches.

According to ZTE, the first batch of ZTE and 3G co-branded F866 3G handsets has been shipped to Britain, and launched into the stores on the market for Christmas.

This has brought ZTE Corp to the global 3G frontline markets, becoming a supplier in leading 3G terminals in the world. As a promoter for 3G global operations, Hutchison 3G has operated 3G services in nine countries and regions, including the United Kingdom, Italy, Sweden, Australia and Hong Kong with more than 10 million subscribers.

It is learned that ZTE has been working closely with Hutchison 3G for one year to develop the handset technology. They offer customized designs in terms of function, patter, size and techniques. Earlier this month, ZTE successfully passed the strict testing process of Hutchison 3G handsets.

ZTE's 3G terminals have also been delivered to developed European and Asian markets, including Italy.

"We will be working closely with Hutchison 3G to ensure that the cooperation will be improved continuously with the expansion of cooperative areas", said He Shiyou, senior deputy president and general manager of the handset department of ZTE. "At the same time, we will make more efforts to strengthen the understanding of major mobile operators both at home and abroad with cooperative prospects so as to obtain better achievements on the global market", he added.

By People's Daily Online