China Unicom is investing $14.58 billion over the next two years to build wireless 3G network, according to a FierceBroadbandWireless report.
China Unicom will likely use a 3G spectrum license that the company expects to get as part of its merger with China Netcom Group, the report said.
The merger between the two firms is being driven by government regulators as part of an industry restructuring announced in May.
Chinese regulators have said they will issue three nationwide 3G licenses. Recipients are expected to be China Mobile, China Telecom and China Netcom.
Analysts have said that Qualcomm is likely to benefit from China Unicom's plans because it will probably be one of the suppliers.