Hong Kong casts wide 4G coverage after SmarTone launch
Wireless network operator joins fellow HK rivals in running the 4G service on the 1800MHz band to provide better mobile coverage
The city has gone "the full monty" in high-speed mobile coverage, as all five local wireless network operators now offer advanced 4G services.
SmarTone Telecommunications launched its 4G network yesterday to join rivals CSL, Three Hong Kong, PCCW Mobile and China Mobile Hong Kong in delivering a faster mobile broadband experience to consumers and businesses.
Based on the technology, called Long-Term Evolution (LTE), 4G networks can provide theoretical internet download speeds of up to 100 megabits per second. The fastest existing 3G networks run at 42Mbps.
"We've switched on our 4G LTE network, which has territory-wide coverage," SmarTone chief executive Douglas Li said.
Following the pricing strategy of its competitors, SmarTone's 4G tariff plans are the same as its 3G rates. The 4G service will initially be made available to selected customers by invitation until September 11, when it is offered to the public.
The entry of SmarTone, a subsidiary of Sun Hung Kai Properties, has also raised the importance of LTE networks on the 1800-megahertz band, which comprise radio spectrum previously used for 2G services.