China Mobile HK (CMHK) launched its 5G network in the city on April 1 with the hope of tapping into a huge potential market from new applications such as Internet of Things (IoT) that require higher network speed and low latency for seamless connectivity.
Keeping in mind that many of these applications are likely to be running on the mobile platform, the mobile operator tested its 5G network speed with the latest 5G smartphones.
"Changes in the usage habits of the public and the widespread application of IoT by companies have increased the demand for uploading data. Therefore, 5G networks must not only have low-latency and high download speed transmission characteristics, but also fast upload speeds. Today, our speed test shows that CMHK's 5G network has a latency of less than 10ms, a download speed exceeding 1Gbps, and an upload speed of over 130Mbps, which served as solid evidence to demonstrate that CMHK's 5G network can better meet customer needs."
Currently, CMHK operates the largest number of 3.5GHz spectrums, often referred to as the "5G Prime Frequency Band". To date, it's the only 5G network provider in Hong Kong that has acquired 3.3GHz (3380-3400MHz) and 3.5GHz (3400-3460MHz) of continuous bandwidth spectrum (80 MHz in total), which allows for better indoor network optimisation and to provide users with a high-quality network experience more flexibly and efficiently. At the same time, the 4.9GHz spectrum will be used together with the existing 4G spectrum resources re-farming to resolve the current restrictions of the 5G network in certain areas within Hong Kong, thereby providing customers with a seamless 5G experience.
City-wide 5G coverage
Initially, the 5G network will cover the entire Hong Kong city -- 90% of the major Central and Western, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay Districts; nearly 90% of the Kwun Tong District; and close to 80% of the Tsuen Wan District. In addition to CMHK's 38 retail stores (exclude Tai Po), its 5G network coverage will also include popular spots, landmarks and shopping malls, such as Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Cyberport, Science Park, Harbour City, Olympian City, Landmark and Tuen Mun Town Plaza to name a few.
Furthermore, CMHK has also introduced 5G roaming services in some locations in Mainland China and South Korea. By the end of 2020, it will also bring the borderless 5G experience to other popular countries and regions within Asia and Europe.
Network trials for enterprise solutions
In terms of the enterprise solutions, CMHK took the lead in accomplishing the 5G standalone network trial as early as the end of November last year, which allows for the provision of "network slicing" services.
Different slices can provide customised private network services and a diverse mix of 5G applications for corporate customers, making it easier to facilitate different projects within the financial, real estate, and property management sectors, coming up in the near future.
CMHK also founded "The Greater Bay Area 5G Industry Alliance" in August last year to promote the sharing of business opportunities, mutual cooperation and exchange, and collaboration among various industries, as well as the joint research and development of products and services based on 5G communication technology, innovation, and industry standards. This will also help in uniting academic and political stakeholders to build a win-win 5G ecosystem.
This year, CMHK will launch a "5G Industry Application" white paper to provide various 5G smart enterprise solutions. The six major directions include smart travel, smart lifestyle, smart economy, smart environment, smart government, and smart citizens, with a commitment to transforming Hong Kong into a world-class smart city
