CMHK – Hong Kong�s First Mobile Network Operator to Accomplish 5G Standalone Network Trial

HONG KONG, CHINA – Media OutReach – 2 December 2019 – China
Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK) is Hong Kong’s first mobile network operator to have successfully
accomplished 5G Standalone (SA) network test and also completed the first voice
over NR (VoNR) call. The radio cell sites supporting both 5G SA and NSA network
are now installed for trial test at China Mobile 5G Innovation Centre Hong Kong
Open Lab in Hong Kong Science Park and Mita Internet Data Centre in Kwai Chung.

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High-resolution photo: https://bit.ly/2KWvbe0

 

Mr. Sean Lee, Director and Chief Executive Officer
of China Mobile Hong Kong, says, “We are very excited about the successful
installation and trial of 5G SA network as it is the utmost target in CMHK’s 5G
development. The 5G SA network is built
on Service Based Architecture (SBA) that features three essential capabilities
including Network Slicing, Mobile Edge Computing and VoNR. However, we are now installing 5G NR
radio equipment at the existing 4G LTE base stations, in order to launch 5G
services with NSA infrastructure as soon as possible.”

 

5G SA enables
Network Slicing, Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) and VoNR

5G network is an important technology foundation that supports smart city
development and facilitates digital transformation of various industries. 5G network
serves as an essential catalyst for technology innovation in various fields.
Comparing with NSA, 5G SA is equipped with a new 5G Core which is a cloud
native and SBA network. 5G Core enables network slicing to deliver dedicated
and customised networks with specific QoS and resources for 5G applications in
different industries. Network Slicing helps mobile network operators to explore
new business model and revenue potential, through the expansion from B2C to B2B
markets.

 

MEC enables cloud computing capabilities and IT resources at the customer
edge of cellular network. With the separation of control and user plane, 5G
Core in SA network can optimise MEC deployment by delivering a distributed
computing environment in mobile network. It facilitates application and service
hosting that require fast response time and high security. 5G SA network also
allows mobile operators to open their network and MEC capabilities to authorised
third parties in developing innovative application and content. At the moment, it
is envisaged that MEC is an essential capability for the advancement of a
number of vertical industries including intelligent manufacturing, live cloud
games and V2X.

 

5G VoNR is the prime solution to support high quality voice and video
call connectivity in 5G SA infrastructure. Both voice and data connections are
conveyed in 5G SA network. The breakthrough today signifies China Mobile Hong
Kong’s full readiness in delivering 5G network ability and VoNR voice call on 5G
SA network.

(Appendix:
details on CMHK’s 5G SA & NSA network infrastructure.)

Appendix —- CMHK 5G SA and 5G NSA Infrastructure Options

One of the 5G SA Network Global Standard
Options 3GPP Announced in June 2018 — Option 2

CMHK has gone for Option 2 for the 5G Network Infrastructure Global Standard
announced by the 3GPP in June 2018, which would be a network of NR base
stations connected to the 5G core network to maximise 5G properties for a
comprehensive network management system.

 

One of the 5G NSA Network Global Standard
Options 3GPP Announced in December 2017 — Option 3x

CMHK will continue to implement
Option 3x on the existing 4G base stations for the 5G Network Infrastructure Global
Standard announced by the 3GPP in December 2017, upgrading 5G NSA by connecting
to 5G NR for a simpler, faster and effective 4G and 5G network coverage.

About China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited

China Mobile Hong Kong
Company Limited (“CMHK”) is the wholly-owned subsidiary of China
Mobile Limited (HKEx: 941) (NYSE: CHL), which ranks 56th on the Fortune Global
500. CMHK was incepted in January 1997 and was the first mobile network
operator to launch PCS services in Hong Kong.

 

The Company offers
innovative and comprehensive communications services, including voice, data,
IDD and international roaming through 4G LTE, 3GHSPA, GPRS, EDGE and other
technologies. The Company is committed to the development of 5G network,
combining with new technologies such as artificial intelligence, IoT, cloud
computing and big data, integrating 5G applications in different industries,
promoting the construction and development of smart city groups in Greater Bay
Area.

 

*China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of China
Mobile Limited. As of 31 December 2017, China Mobile Limited had the largest
number of mobile network subscribers in the world.