The company will now be able to test its new LTE hybrid network in 24 additional sites, including Beijing, Tianjin and Dongguan, after beginning the trials in June.
China Telecom expects the increased roll-out of 4G services will significantly boost its telecoms business, after it suffered subscriber losses following China Mobile’s LTE launch.
The rival player obtained a 4G licence in December and now has 20 million 4G subscribers, after being given a head start because it utilises TD-LTE technology.
China Telecom incorporates LTE FDD and TD-LTE technology, and the company’s chairman and CEO Wang Xiaochu said it aims to roll out 4G to 50 cities by the end of the year.
