China Mobile Launches 4G Roaming Services in 71 Countries and Regions

HONG KONG, March 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- China Mobile's fourth-generation telecom network has accumulated over 100 million domestic users since its launch in December 2013 and opened 4G international roaming services in 71 countries and regions, Sha Yuejia, Vice President of China Mobile (HKEx: 941) (NYSE: CHL), announced at the Global TD-LTE Initiative (GTI) International Summit during the Mobile World Congress (MWC)  on March 3, 2015, in Barcelona, Spain.

"The development of TD-LTE in the past year exceeded our expectation.  It only took China Mobile one year to build the biggest 4G network in the world," Sha Yuejia said.

By the end of January 2015, China Mobile has built over 700,000 4G base stations, and realized continuous coverage in most cities and counties as well as hotspot coverage in developed villages and towns. The sales of 4G terminals exceeded 100 million and its 4G users topped 100 million as well. Around the globe, China Mobile has launched 4G international roaming services in 71 countries and regions.

Speaking of plans in 2015, Sha noted that China Mobile plans to build 1 million 4G base stations by the end of the year and realize full coverage in the country; step up efforts to expand the coverage of LTE international roaming services and strive for 100% coverage in countries and regions with adequate conditions; increase the terminal sales by 250 million, among which the sales of 4G terminals would reach 200 million; and expand the 4G customer base to 250 million.

In network technologies, China Mobile will accelerate the commercialization of LTE-A, and increase the rate from 100Mbps to 200Mbps, 600Mbps and even 1Gbps somewhere down the road. Meanwhile, the company will promote the development of technologies including 3D-MIMO, network optimization with big data, interference elimination, NFV and SDN.

In terms of terminal related technologies, China Mobile will further support the TDD/FDD integration and enable more terminals and chips that support mainstream modes and frequency bands, VoLTE, RCS and key features of LTE-A.

With regard to services, Sha pointed out that China Mobile has been focusing on the commercialization of Converged Communication and the exploration of information services such as Internet of Vehicles, Mobile Healthcare and Mobile Education.

Off the podium, several innovative products released by China Mobile and its partners grabbed the spotlight of the 2015 MWC:

The product plans for 5-mode processors with a low cost of 50 Euros include Qualcomm 8909, Marvell PXA1908, MTK 6735P, Spreadtrum SC9830A and Leadcore LC1860C.

China Mobile, together with Samsung, HTC, Coolpad, Qualcomm and K-Touch, released six Native terminal models and chip solutions that support the integration of the Converged Communication functions. By updating the network, users are capable of enjoying HD audio and video services, seamlessly integrated multimedia information, conventional messages as well as more social functions without changing their communication habits and the terminal interface.

China Mobile also worked with OnStar of Shanghai General Motors to launch a series of cutting-edge 4G connected car services, which include 4G-enabled onboard high-speed Wi-Fi access, i-Call (HD audio and data synchronization), real-time navigation, remote update, remote diagnosis, vehicle maintenance appointment, etc.

Founded in 2011, GTI now boasts 116 operator members and 97 manufacturer partners. Globally 52 commercial TD-LTE networks have been put into use, and 83 operators are in the phase of construction and deployment. The scale of base stations has exceeded 1 million, commercial terminals over 1200 models, and customer base over 110 million.