China Mobile jumps on the app store bandwagon

China Mobile is the latest operator to announce plans for its own mobile application store, which is due to launch by the end of 2009.

Called Mobile Market, it will allow publishers and developers to upload their apps, although we're guessing that there will be an approvals process that's more stringent than some handset firms' app stores.

Interestingly, IDG's report suggests that Mobile Market was a sticking point in China Mobile's negotiations with Apple to sell the iPhone in China, as it wanted to sell iPhone apps through the new store too.

The launch of Mobile Market will tie in with the rollout of China Mobile's 3G network. With 477 million subscribers to its existing network, the operator should see strong interest from games and app developers in the new store.