Hong Kong-based mobile carrier SmarTone Telecommunications Holdings launched its third-generation (3G) mobile phone services Sunday.

Its 3G services would be available only through two handset models at the beginning — Motorola’s E1000 and Nokia’s 6630 — but eight more models would be added in the first half of next year, the company said.

SmarTone is the second mobile operator to offer 3G services in Hong Kong, after Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. launched its services in January.

(Shenzhen Daily December 21, 2004)