China Telecom will become the new owner of China Unicom’s CDMA network from 1 October, according to local news sources. The CDMA assets to change hands include all ‘133’ and ‘153’ prefixed CDMA telephone numbers, CDMA transmission equipment, some sales outlets of China Unicom in ten northern provinces, CDMA terminals and other CDMA-related system and equipment. China Telecom will pay for the assets in three stages: the first instalment of 70% will be made within three days of delivery, with 20% falling due within 60 days. The remaining 10% will be paid before 31 March 2009.
Under the agreement China Unicom will transfer 40% of its CDMA employees in the ten northern provinces to China Telecom; for other provinces the percentage is 19.76%.