China Telecom (CHA), the largest Chinese fixed-line operator, has successfully tested Alcatel-Lucent’s (ALU) multi-carrier EV-DO (a 3G technology) wireless network based on the Revision B (Rev B) standard. The Chinese operator’s subsidiary Shanghai Telecom has reportedly installed the multi-carrier EV-DO solution, which significantly enhances network throughput and reduces data latency (using multiple carriers) to meet increasing customer demand for high-bandwidth applications.   The multi-carrier EV-DO Rev B network, which represents an upgrade from EV-DO Rev A, has demonstrated highly encouraging throughput levels in the lab test with peak download speeds reaching up to 9.3 megabits per second (Mbps). This will effectively enhance customer experience who subscribe to high-bandwidth wireless services including Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP), high definition video streaming and other multimedia applications.    Leveraging Alcatel-Lucent’s network infrastructure support, Shanghai Telecom became the first Chinese carrier to commercially launch a CDMA EV-DO network in China in March ...

China Telecom (CHA) announced interim 2009 results today with net income of RMB8.4 billion ($1.2 billion), or RMB0.10 per share, down 27.5% compared to RMB11.6 billion ($1.7 billion), or RMB0.14 per share, reported in the corresponding period a year ago.

This annualized drop in profit is primarily attributable to higher marketing expenses associated with the deployment of the company’s 3G wireless services and persistent decline in legacy landline business. China Telecom reported a 24% year-over-year rise in operating expenses for the period, largely due to an annualized increase of 60% in SG&A costs (including mobile handset subsidies).

The largest Chinese fixed-line operator reported revenue of RMB102.6 billion ($15 billion) for the period, up 14.8% year over year, driven by healthy contribution from its wireless segment which offset the fall in fixed-line business. EBITDA shrank 2.1% year over year to RMB43.3 billion ($6.3 billion) with EBITDA margin equating to

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