CMHK says it has successfully built a 5G network that enables an end-to-end connectivity (client terminal to application) to the internet, computers or non-5G mobile terminals can also connect to this 5G network via Wifi emitted by customer premises equipment (CPE) for a smooth internet connection.
“Among all mobile carries in Hong Kong, China Mobile Hong Kong is the only service provider that has triumphed in achieving end-to-end 5G Internet testing,” a company statement detailed.
“When 5G spectrum is officially released in Hong Kong, China Mobile Hong Kong’s 5G network will be ready to provide full services to users, leading the market into the 5G era.”
CMHK says that its lab tests have successfully implemented 5G networks in a static environment using 28GHz millimetre-wave spectrum, along with 800MHz bandwidth and 4x4 multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology.
The highest data transmission speed achieved was 14Gbps, which “is much higher than the previous 2x2 MIMO technology test results (8Gbps) released by other mobile carriers,” CMHK said. In addition, when using the 3.5GHz spectrum (100MHz bandwidth), the highest data transmission speed tested in an indoor environment can reach up to 700Mbps.
In response to a Hong Kong Government initiative to promote research and innovation in technology development to build a 5G cross-industry social integration ecosystem, CMHK participated in a tree monitoring pilot project in Tai Tong, Yuen Long. This project utilises NB-IoT technology, installed sensors onto the trees to monitor and analyse their well-being with the aim of uprooting prevention.
The adoption of 5G technology will enable China Mobile Hong Kong to expand NB-IoT capacity in monitoring the health of trees throughout Hong Kong.
5G compatible smartphones are yet to be widely available until the second half of 2019, thus early 5G network is expected to provide Wifi connectivity to 5G applications via CPE.
China Mobile Hong Kong has planned to build a 28GHz 5G network in selected locations by year end to conduct a field test. The company is also working with partners to develop smart city related applications (such as smart lamp posts) to be better equipped for 5G network construction and application development.
The news comes after the international operation of China Mobile started work on its second data centre outside mainland China, in Singapore, last month.
