China's homegrown technology for third-generation mobile communication (3G) has moved a step closer after passing a series of tests organized by the Ministry of Information Industry.

An MII report said the base stations and handsets based on TD-SCDMA are all qualified after three years of tests.

The key technologies and products of TD-SCDMA met requirements for 3G services, said the MII.

The TD-SCDMA project was launched in 2003 by Datang Mobile, a leading Chinese telecom equipment manufacturer.

With a special government fund for the project, Datang Mobile developed the TD-SCDMA standard as well as the base stations and dual-mode handsets based on TD-SCDMA/GSM.

The opening of China's 3G market has been repeatedly delayed due to the immaturity of TD-SCDMA as the government wants its own standard to be used in 3G mobiles.

Analysts believe the government is likely to issue 3G licenses for homegrown standards in early 2007.