TDMA is the oldest and allocates a distinct time slot for the cellular user. CDMA, a newer digital technology, allows multiple users to share the same part of the frequency spectrum by allocating codes to each of the users. Ultimately dual-mode phones, or handsets that can communicate over two different systems, will be developed. This will make CDMA2000, the 3G standard that is most easily achievable by the CDMA camp, broadly compatible with Wideband CDMA, the 3G standard being adopted for the GSM prevalent in Asia and Europe. It's a confusing situation that's made even more confusing by the fact that even within Asia standards are not uniform.
Many observers are sceptical of the China initiative.
But Scott is more cautious. Most industry insiders agree that the way ahead has many unresolved issues, but the push is still on. The question is whether, as the ITU hopes, consumers will be able to go wherever they like with their mobile phones and not think about standards. It's not a question of which technology is better. Review Publishing Company Limited, Hong Kong.