Press Releases
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usher in the 5G era and facilitate smart city development
Hong Kong, 25 June 2018 - 3 Hong Kong, the mobile communications division of Hutchison Telecommunications Hong Kong Holdings Limited (HTHKH, stock code: 215), and Huawei, today announced progress in installing core network infrastructure and radio-access technology ready for 5G service. The collaboration covers deployment of a telco cloud to cloudify 3G and 4G core networks, which will lay a solid foundation for evolving 5G network architecture.
3 Hong Kong has also announced a plan to conduct in-and-outdoor commercial network trials in the 3.5GHz, 26 GHz and 28 GHz (millimetre wave) 5G spectrum bands. The company is currently rolling out network infrastructure in order to launch a 5G service at the earliest possible opportunity. This will be done just as soon as 5G spectrum standards have been finalised and compatible mobile devices become available.
Cliff Woo, HTHKH Executive Director and CEO, said: "Network cloudification is a crucial step for telecoms operators moving towards 5G. We have been working closely with Huawei to channel advanced technologies into construction of an all-cloud core network, while developing an appropriate radio-access capability."
He added: "We have earmarked the 26 GHz and 28 GHz 5G spectrum bands - as well as the 3.5GHz spectrum band - which are expected to be auctioned by the end of 2019. We are determined to provide 5G mobile service as rapidly as we possibly can after obtaining the spectrum required. Customers will then enjoy high-speed, low-latency smart lifestyles served by the largest-scale connectivity imaginable."
Richard Zhang, President of Huawei's Hutchison Global Key Account Department, said: "Huawei and 3 Hong Kong have established long-term, extensive and close worldwide co-operation. The latest Huawei Cloud Core Network NFV solution will help 3 Hong Kong to deploy service rapidly, while innovating along the way and enjoying the benefits of automatic operation and maintenance. This will lay a foundation for mobile edge computing (MEC) and network slicing, so software and network architecture will be ready before the 5G era dawns in Hong Kong. Huawei will continue to support 3 Hong Kong's end-to-end (E2E) network planning, deployment and development strategy at the same time as assisting development of new business, all to strengthen its industry leadership."
Full cloud network ready by early 2019
3 Hong Kong and Huawei started building a telco cloud back at the end of 2016, as part of its core network architecture. The first phase focused on connectivity from mobile core network to the Internet - as well as cloudification of enterprises, the IP multimedia subsystem - and is now in service, following completion in 2017.
The second phase comprises mobile management of radio stations based on an open cloudified infrastructure built on network function virtualisation. This will enable 3 Hong Kong to deploy network resources flexibly and in accordance with the types of services being utilised by customers with differing needs. Results will include a reduction in time-to-market and the time it takes to deploy resources, as well as the ability to respond promptly to an ever-changing market.
3 Hong Kong's telco cloud is highly resilient and capable of providing even greater network stability for customers. Completion of the project is scheduled for the first quarter of 2019, by which time 3 Hong Kong's core network will be fully transformed into a cloud-based core network ready for the new 5G era.
5G network tests in Q3, 2018
3 Hong Kong completed indoor radio development tests in the 3.5GHz 5G spectrum band at the end of 2017. The company has been granted temporary permits by the Communications Authority to conduct in-and-outdoor 5G trials in the 3.5GHz, 26GHz and 28GHz bands of the millimetre wave spectrum. This will involve 5G New Radio (5G NR) user equipment from Huawei and will take place in the third quarter of 2018.
About 3 Hong Kong
3 Hong Kong is a leading mobile communications service provider and the only local operator to own blocks of spectrum across the 900MHz, 1800MHz, 2100MHz, 2300MHz and 2600MHz bands. 3 Hong Kong offers cutting-edge data, voice and roaming services under the "3" brand via far-reaching advanced 4G LTE, 3G and 2G networks. 3 Hong Kong also works with renowned partners to offer a wealth of innovative mobile devices and value-added services, while providing high-speed Wi-Fi at 3 Hong Kong's hotspots to serve Hong Kong's major areas. 3 Hong Kong is the mobile division of Hutchison Telecommunications Hong Kong Holdings Limited (stock code: 215), a group member of CK Hutchison Holdings (stock code: 1).
About Huawei
Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. With integrated solutions across four key domains - telecom networks, IT, smart devices, and cloud services - we are committed to bringing digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world.
Huawei's end-to-end portfolio of products, solutions and services are both competitive and secure. Through open collaboration with ecosystem partners, we create lasting value for our customers, working to empower people, enrich home life, and inspire innovation in organizations of all shapes and sizes.
At Huawei, innovation focuses on customer needs. We invest heavily in basic research, concentrating on technological breakthroughs that drive the world forward. We have more than 180,000 employees, and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions. Founded in 1987, Huawei is a private company fully owned by its employees.
