Supported by ZTE’s IMS solution for superior 4G voice and video calls on the Hong Kong’s Trusted Network
HONG KONG - Friday, December 6th 2013 [ME NewsWire]
(BUSINESS WIRE)-- 1O1O and one2free today launch the first VoLTE (Voice over LTE) network in Hong Kong powered by Hong Kong’s Trusted Network, supported by ZTE Corporation’s industry-leading 4G solutions. The full commercial launch is expected to take place in the first half of 2014, in line with projected device maturity in the market.
CSL’s VoLTE offers clearer voice, instant connection, and better quality video calls enabled by ZTE’s IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) solution. The opportunity for voice calls to be made on 4G means customers will experience a clearer voice and richer multimedia experience, with a distinct improvement in video call quality. VoLTE also allows 1O1O and one2free to achieve better spectral efficiencies and will increase network capacity and subsequently enhancing the 4G LTE experience.
“The availability of VoLTE device to our customers in the first half of next year will reinforce our position as the leading 4G LTE mobile operator in Hong Kong,” said Phil Mottram, chief executive officer of CSL. “We are proud to deliver a trusted network that offers impressive speed, stability and broader coverage throughout Hong Kong, and that will carry a brand new and enriched voice and video experience for our customers.”
ZTE’s IMS solution supports eSRVCC (enhanced Single Radio Voice Call Continuity), delivering smooth handovers between voice calls on 4G and 3G networks for CSL’s VoLTE service. Customers can also access CSL’s best-in-class 4G mobile data services simultaneously, while conducting VoLTE calls ensuring improved usability and a high-quality experience. Customers will also be able to enjoy faster call setup speeds compared with 3G.
“We have worked closely with CSL to deliver this state of the art VoLTE service to its customers, and will continue to maintain CSL’s leading network position for the Hong Kong market,” said Shi Lirong, President of ZTE.
1O1O and one2free are further enhancing its 4G network experience in the MTR. The upgrade of its LTE 1800MHz spectrum from 10MHz to 15MHz on the Island, Tsuen Wan, Kwun Tong, Tseung Kwan O and Tung Chung lines were completed in early December and will be extended to cover all MTR lines by the end of 20131 subject to MTR’s schedule. This will give 1O1O and one2free a superior network experience on speed and capacity.
A report from OpenSignal2 also revealed that 1O1O and one2free customers have a consistent network experience during June – August 2013. The report stated “overall CSL brands are offering the best performance on all metrics relating to network coverage with their users spending the most time on 3G/LTE and the least time with no network connection by a strong margin.”
About 1O1O
Launched in 1993, 1O1O is the highly regarded premium brand of CSL Limited. Known for its award-winning customer services*, 1O1O also draws on CSL’s network superiority to provide Hong Kong’s professionals and discerning customers with a premium mobile lifestyle service. In 2010, CSL became the first operator in the world to launch dual band 4G LTE with DC-HSPA+ mobile broadband network, and now offers world-class capacity and speed to 1O1O customers, complementing the premium value-added services that set the brand apart.
* 1O1O won "Service Retailer of the Year (Telecommunications)" at the Hong Kong Retail Management Association's "Mystery Shoppers Programme" from 2009-2012.