China Mobile launches 4G network trial
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E-mail CNTV, March 1, 2013
China Mobile has launched a 4G network trial in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, with signal coverage over 30% of the population. This marks a further step in the network being fully operational.
"4G, Life-Changing Experience." The importance of the new data network to China Mobile has two meanings. First, it is the only 4G network in China, giving China Mobile an obvious lead over the other two telecom giants. Second, the 4G network, TD LTE, designed and developed by China, strengthens the country's place in the field of information technology.
Sun Lian, planning & development manager of China Mobile Guangdong, said:"The 4G network developed by China can have an impact beyond the whole telecom industry. It brings opportunities for electronics and mircro-chip companies, online service and content providers. It could change our entire experience of the information service."
But it is never easy to tap into new markets. China launched its own 3G network, the TD SCDMA in 2009, but even standing on the shoulder of this telecom giant, its development was anything but smooth sailing. It is incompatible with other 3G networks in the world, and users cannot choose carriers outside China Mobile. This time, the telecom giant has vowed not to make the same mistake.
Yang Wenbin, engineer of China Mobile R&D Center, said:"There are currently two kinds of 4G network, the TD LTE network in China, and the FDD LTE network already adopted by some countries. Many of the communication protocols they use is the same, therefore it is easier to achieve compatibility on software level, without making tweaks on the hardware."
The 4th Generation network is marked by its high speed. On the launch of the trial, the top download speed could reach around 80 megabytes per second.
The speed of the 4G network is amazing, it can download several gigabytes of contents in just a few minutes. But unless you have an unlimited download plan, this could also mean a very heavy telephone bill.
For those not using the monthly package, the current price for 3G usage is 1 yuan per megabyte. This means downloading a movie will cost over 500 yuan on average, or about $80 US dollars. So knowing what kind of package comes with the 4G network is key for customers.
A customer in Guangzhou said:"Of course I look forward to a faster network, but I hope it won't be too expensive."
A customer in Guangzhou said:"On my current data plan, the cost of the 3G network is acceptable. I hope the 4G network won't be more expensive than the 3G network."
A retail store manager of China Mobile Guangdong said:"We are now offering more data plans and discount packages to meet the growing demand. And along with the 4G network, we will also have many discounts to encourage users to switch to faster services."
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