Long Term Evolution——Imagine Life Now
——CSL deploys the first LTE commercial trial Network in Hong Kong

In March 2009, CSL and ZTE caused a stir among operators in Hong Kong when they said they had deployed the world’s first large-scale HSPA+ all-IP commercial network with peak data rate up to 21 Mbps. Six months later, CSL and ZTE jointly demonstrated the new LTE technology, and the single cell throughput could reach up to 150Mbps. At that conference, CSL announced to build the first LTE commercial network in Hong Kong in Q3 2009, which would be the first LTE commercial network in Asia and the first dual-band LTE network in the world.

CSL, the largest mobile operator in Hong Kong, has 25 years' excellent network operation experience. The high maintenance cost and weak competitiveness in data service of its original four networks with two standards and in three bands stand in the way of network optimization, and hold back the network convergence and smooth evolution. Moving forward, in order to adopt new technology and realize a new era in network development, CSL is ready for a thorough network optimization and upgrade.　

In 2008, ZTE Corporation became the most reliable technology partner of CSL, replacing all the equipment of the original network and building the first SDR based HSPA+ network. This is the first large-scale all-IP network based on SDR technology, realizing the conversion of network from complexity to simplicity.

On Sept 2 of 2009, CSL and ZTE jointly held an event to demonstrate LTE technology, it was the first LTE Demo in Hong Kong. At that conference, CSL announced to build the first LTE commercial network in Hong Kong in Q3 2009, which would be the first LTE commercial network in Asia and the first dual-band LTE network in the world. The LTE Networking Project in Hong Kong covers various scenarios such as dense urban, skyscraper, highway, etc. “Next G”, launched by CSL on March 30, 2009 and the world’s first SDR based HSPA+ network in Hong Kong ,can be smoothly upgraded to LTE, and achieve GSM/WCDMA/LTE common mode and co-sites. This networking solution can provide a true mobile broadband connectivity with seamless coverage, highest standards of customer experience and business productivity.

CSL, combined with strategic network partner ZTE, have been at the forefront of LTE deployment in CSL’s home market of Hong Kong. 

The progress to date is as follows:

1.　A public demonstration of LTE in Hong Kong in September 2009.

2.　The official opening of CSL’s LTE commercial trial system in November 2009.

3.　The large scale rollout of 60 sites for commercial trial is presently ongoing.

What differentiates the CSL/ZTE Hong Kong LTE network is how it is being integrated into CSL’s existing class-leading tri-band, all-IP, 2G/3G Next G network: CSL/ZTE will be introducing what we believe to be the world’s first dual band LTE network, at both 2.6GHz and 1800MHz. The 1800MHz spectrum is critical as it lays the foundation for 2G spectrum re-farming for LTE use while reusing existing 1800MHz assets, thereby lowering the overall cost of LTE deployment. This will propel the overall LTE ecosystem momentum forward. This dual-band network also lays the framework for LTE Advanced which aggregates multiple spectrum bands.

The current CSL 2G/3G network adopts the SDR technology and can easily achieve flexible network upgrade or enable coexistence of 2G, 3G, and 4G systems. Adopting Uni-RAN solution based on mature future-oriented SDR unified platform, ZTE can achieve smooth network upgrading and evolution, maximally protecting operator’s existing investments.

With industry-leading high PA efficiency of over 35% and low average power consumption of less than 198W, low noise and radiation can be easily achieved by ZTE's innovative designed eNodeB. Distributed base station BBU+RRU featuring in small size and light weight is easy for deployment. Flexible installation, zero footprint and simplified O&M realize green engineering and reduce TCO. Uni-RAN solution maximally protects operator’s existing investments. The All-IP mobile network brings lower investment and higher transmission efficiency .

 “CSL adopts ZTE unified SDR platform and it can migrate to 4G network flexibly. The construction cost will be significantly reduced and the network building speed will be much faster than other operators.” Mr Tarek A. Robbiati, CEO of CSL said.

David Thodey, CEO of Telstra, expressed confidence of making this LTE investment in Hong Kong because of the remarkable growth of mobile data usage and high penetration of mobile data transmission in this market.

“With this groundbreaking technology, CSL is making the promise of LTE a reality for Hong Kong and creating there a network that will establish the city as a telecommunications leader,” Thodey said.

“Most importantly, in addition to providing customers with the fastest and most reliable network in Hong Kong, CSL will continue to think of new ways to use these increased data speeds to provide the best possible customer experience and applications,” he added.

It can be expected the coming 4G technology will lead the wireless telecommunication market and bring unmatched fast experience to the inhabitants and visitors in Hong Kong.