ZTE is supporting the recent launch of Voice over LTE in Hong Kong, in partnership with CSL Limited and two of its brands: 1010 and one2free.
The full commercial VoLTE launch is expected in the first half of 2014, a timeline that the companies say is “in line with projected device maturity in the market.”
ZTE’s IP Media Subsystem (IMS) solution is supporting the VoLTE implementation. CSL offers mobile service under multiple brand names, with 1010 and one2free being two of them. The implementation is VoLTE is expected to offer clearer voice service as well as a “distinct improvement in video call quality,” according to the companies, along with better spectral efficiency and an increase in network capacity.
“The availability of VoLTE device 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.
Customers will have faster call set-up times than 3G, and be able to access mobile data services while conducting VoLTE calls, according to the companies. ZTE noted that its IMS solution supports enhanced Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (eSRVCC) for seamless handovers between voice calls on 3G and LTE networks for VoLTE.
“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.
CSL is also upgrading its network in the Mass Transit Railway, Hong Kong’s public transportation rail system. The expansion of 1010 and one2free’s available 1800 MHz spectrum from 10 MHz to 15 MHz has already been completed on five MTR lines and will extend to all lines by the end of 2013.
