China Unicom is planning to launch a video streaming service over its CDMA 1X network–considered a sign that the CDMA technology is taking on the competing GSM and GPRS in the data business.

Wang Yingpei, who is in charge of Unicom's value-added business indicated that the firm plans to start the service in the second half of 2004.

Experts believe such streaming should be carried over 3G (third-generation) CDMA 2000 EV-DO networks, however CDMA 1X is considered a 2.5G technology. It is faster than 2G CDMA, but slower than CDMA 2000 EV-DO. Unicom determined, however, claims that during extensive tests there were no technical difficulties in delivering the streaming service over its existing CDMA 1X networks, provided that the "right" mobile phones support the functions.

The streaming service is expected to extend CDMA 1X's competitive edge over GPRS, offered by China Mobile.