The number of phone users in China has surpassed billion during the first half of 2009, which, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), is boosted by the launch of the third-generation (3G) network. However, most of the users are not satisfied with their current domestic operators.

China added 43.5 million phone users during Jan-June, with the total tally surpassing one billion by the end of June, according to the statistics from MIIT.

During the period, fixed telephone users dropped by more than 10 million, while mobile phone users jumped by nearly 54 million.

China's telecom industry entered the 3G era in January 2009 as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology granted 3G license to the three manor operators.

To improve 3G network efficiency, the three domestic telecom giants, China Telecom, China Mobile and China Unicom, have invested 80 billion yuan ($11.71 billion) so far this year.

The top three operators have started trial 3G operation, which allows mobile phone users to download data faster, make video calls and watch TV shows.

According to the latest study of CTR Market Research, Chinese consumers' loyalty toward telecom operators is low.

CTR analyzed the Chinese user's loyalty late in May by using its patented research solution called States of MindTM model, which showed that only 22% of consumers are loyal to a certain operator, compared to 42% worldwide.

Seekers who look for better choices account for 34%, as they are not completely satisfied with the service from their current operator.

China Phone