China Mobile - only Edge (2G) for iPhone 4s (Shanghai)

Dear All,
Do any of you have China Mobile?
They are telling me in the shops that they do not support any data faster than 2G for iPhone 4s. Yes, not even 3G :-(
Anyone else have the same experience?
It seems the only solution is to lose my number by switching providers (which I can't do), or buy a new phone (which I don't need).
Welcome to the 3rd world...
Glad to hear anyone's experience or suggestions.
Cheers!
Paul