First Converged LTE FDD/TDD Network launched by China Mobile Hong Kong and partner Ericsson

China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK) launches the world’s first converged LTE FDD/TDD network with Ericsson as its supplier
Ericsson demonstrated the world’s first live seamless bi-directional LTE FDD/TDD interworking on the converged LTE FDD/TDD network
The launch not only benefits CMHK as the leading operator in Hong Kong but also subscribers and the industry ecosystem
The Converged Network pushes new boundaries in 4G network capacity helping to support the most demanding subscribers in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s leading mobile operator China Mobile Hong Kong today launched the world’s first converged LTE FDD/TDD network. The network is powered by Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC).

Ericsson demonstrated, for the first time in the world, live seamless bi-directional LTE FDD/TDD interworking, via China Mobile Hong Kong’s Converged Network. Interworking between the LTE FDD and LTE TDD networks is becoming increasingly important for operators that have spectrum in both LTE modes. It will allow operators, such as China Mobile Hong Kong, to seamlessly offer mobile broadband services on FDD and TDD spectrums, thereby increasing capacity and improving consumer experience.

The launch of this Converged Network architecture, based on the recognized 3GPP standard, truly represents a world’s first. It combines the power of both networks to benefit, not only China Mobile Hong Kong’s subscribers, but also CMHK as an operator and the industry as a whole. It’s a win-win-win scenario for all three stakeholders.

With the advent of Hong Kong’s first Converged LTE FDD/TDD Network, CMHK’s subscribers will experience improved service quality as well as unparalleled availability in the city. This service will be further enhanced by the arrival of mobile devices that support roaming between the two networks in LTE FDD or TD-LTE (LTE TDD) modes. This will create a seamless service, regardless of the kind of network subscribers are using.

The operator will, in turn, profit from having increased network capacity and greater efficiency, allowing it to better serve not only its current subscribers but also future subscribers. This, combined with the enhanced roaming capabilities, will allow China Mobile Hong Kong to differentiate itself from its competition, making it the most advanced operator in Hong Kong’s highly competitive mobile market.

The Converged Network also benefits the industry. The LTE ecosystem will gain from greater economies of scale as the market adopts both FDD and TDD technologies.

“We are pleased to partner with Ericsson, a global leader in the LTE space and our long-term network partner,” says Sean Lee, Director and CEO of China Mobile Hong Kong. “We are extremely excited to be the first operator in the world to launch a converged LTE FDD/TDD network – something that makes us stand out from the rest.”

“Without doubt the launch you witness today has been made possible, not only by the technologically superior equipment which Ericsson has provided us with, but also its highly skilled professionals working tirelessly to ensure that we are able to be where we are today.”

Ericsson has been the sole supplier for China Mobile Hong Kong’s LTE FDD network and its network partner for more than 15 years. With a great partnership already in place, CMHK proceeded to select Ericsson to expand its commercial LTE network with TD-LTE (LTE TDD) in Hong Kong.

“Ericsson is proud to be associated with China Mobile Hong Kong as it is one of the most advanced operators in this region, and indeed in the world,” says Laurence McDonald, President of Ericsson Hong Kong & Macau. “Together with our valued customer today, we celebrate a major milestone and a distinctive win for fourth generation wireless evolution.

Ericsson has been in the forefront of TD-LTE and LTE FDD convergence and development since 2005. In terms of standards, Ericsson, as a proponent and leader of LTE technologies and standardization, contributes to about 25 percent of essential patents within the LTE standards framework.

The company also actively cooperates with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and Chinese operators and manufacturers, to promote convergence and development of TD-LTE and LTE FDD standards.

Under the agreement, Ericsson delivered the TD-LTE radio access network, network management using Ericsson OSS-RC (Operation Support System for Radio and Core), Evolved Packet Core network expansion and upgrade. It also provided consulting and systems integration services as well as related design, training and support services.

Ericsson has a clear leadership position in the LTE market, with more than 100 LTE/EPC contracts on six continents. It has signed contracts with nine out of the 10 highest ranked mobile operators by revenue. Ericsson has a well-proven LTE solution, supporting the world’s busiest networks.

China Mobile Hong Kong launches the world’s first converged LTE FDD/TDD network with Ericsson as its supplier