China Mobile lifts hopes of Apple deal and 4G launch

China Mobile is raising consumer hopes that the next-generation 4G mobile network will be launched soon and that a long-awaited deal between the world.s largest telco and Apple Inc may be unveiled as early as next week.

The telco.s website displays a cartoon tornado advertisement that announces .the invasion of 4G. and .November 9-11.. The ad links to a page showing two images of smartphones that resemble iPhones and a caption that says .special discounts..

November 11, or Singles. Day, is the busiest shopping day of the year in China. Last year, it generated US$4 billion in online sales alone, according to retail consultant McKinsey Global Institute.

China Mobile declined to comment but its senior executives said earlier that it would distribute 4G phones, including Apple.s latest iPhone 5S, after China issues 4G licenses expected by the end of this year.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has approved the sale of several 4G models made by Sony, ZTE and other vendors.

China Mobile hopes the expected tie-up with Apple will boost revenue and profit, especially in the high-end market segment, after its net profit for the first three quarters of this year fell for the first time by 1.9 percent to 91.5 billion yuan (US$14.8 billion).