BEIJING, Nov. 6, 2009 (Xinhua News Agency) -- China Telecom (0728.HK; CHA.NYSE), China's largest fixed-phone operator, by far has its 3G network cover all Chinese counties and cities, said Zhang Xin, general manager of the Household Client Department of China Telecom.

Zhang said the 3G network has extended to 342 cities, 20,553 counties and about 60,000 developed towns.

China Telecom's move is regarded as preparation for competing with China Unicom (OOTC:CHUFF) (0762.HK; CHU.NYSE; 600050.SH) and China Mobile (0941.HK; CHL.NYSE) in the field of 3G services.

According to Zhang, China Telecom plans to win 100 million CDMA mobile phone users within three years.

Zhang said in 2009 it sold about 40 to 50 million mobile phones, among which the sale of 3G phones has taken a large share.

China Telecom has signed a strategic cooperative agreement with 23 provinces and municipalities.