China Telecom <0728.HK> is confident of being the country's first to finish a high-speed network and launch 3G services, getting a head start on rivals China Mobile <0941.HK> and China Unicom <0762.HK>.

Executives told reporters on Thursday the firm will "definitely be the first", suggesting it aimed to begin long-awaited third-generation services for the world's largest telecoms market before China Mobile's targeted end-June start date.

source:Reuters