1O1O and one2free turn on VoLTE network across Hong Kong

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.

Phil Mottram, Chief Executive Officer of CSL (right), Christian Daigneault, Chief Technology Officer of CSL (left), and Shi Lirong, President of ZTE (middle), together turn on VoLTE Network across Hong Kong. (Photo: Business Wire)

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, subsequently enhancing the 4G LTE experience.

"The availability of VoLTE devices 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 set-up 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 the 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 2013 [1] subject to MTR's schedule. This will give 1O1O and one2free a superior network experience on speed and capacity.

A report from OpenSignal [2] also revealed that 1O1O and one2free customers had a consistent network experience during June to 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".