Since paging became available in 1983, the number of paging operators in China has mushroomed to more than 2,800, with more than 40 million customers. According to the Chinese language China Reform Daily, 70 million pager users are expected by 2000.
China Unicom Paging Corp. has built paging networks in 103 cities, of which 27 are operational-with a capacity of 3.63 million but only 700,000 subscribers. In 1998, China Unicom paging networks in 58 cities will be cut over, which should increase the number of subscribers to 2 million. Glenayre Technologies Inc. is supplying Unicom paging systems based on the 280 MHz FLEX standard to be installed in 21 cities.
Paging competition is fierce, and price has become the major weapon. Three years ago a Motorola pager with Chinese-character display cost around US$240; now the price has come down to US$120, including a one-year service fee.
Lost pagers rarely are returned to their owners since it is cheap and easy to change the number at the paging companies’ service centers.
Nearly 100 different pager models are sold in China-more than 95 percent of them foreign brands. Motorola reigns supreme with 70 percent of the paging market.
The 80 domestic pager manufacturers have a hard time. Even the number one, Zhejiang Fenghua Waveguide Co., which produces high-quality pagers, has a tough time. Most components are imported, making it difficult for domestic companies to cut prices in the face of the foreign onslaught.
Paging companies build their transmitters ever higher on buildings, towers and mountains to guarantee a broader coverage and lower costs. Some paging companies increase the power of their transmitters or change the nature of their frequencies.
On 13 August 1997, a pager transmitter interfered with Shenzhen air traffic control, forcing a temporary closure of the airport. A departing aircraft’s pilot misunderstood directions from the control tower and veered to the left instead of the right.
In December, a paging station interfered with traffic at Beijing’s Capital International Airport and was ordered to close down.
A spot check of 15,452 pager transmitters in February turned up 1,650 violating regulations and cleared up interference of 774. Ham-radio amateurs also have interfered with air-traffic control in several cities and provinces.
The authorities have called on them to observe the relevant procedures and regulations and respect the assigned frequencies.
