Firms Team to Offer High-Speed Wireless Services

Cable & Wireless HKT Ltd. and Nokia Corp. Tuesday achieved two milestones in high-speed mobile communications marking the completion of all 3rd Generation test trials, and the provision of Hong Kong's first commercially-available High Speed Circuit Switched Data service.

The completion of high-speed trials makes the two companies well positioned to provide 3G services in Hong Kong.

After completing the first phase of basic functional trials in February, the second phase 3G trials involved more intensive testing of wireless direct memory access to determine the experimental system's technology and features, including power control and handover capabilities.

During the trials, data calls with bit rates up to 384 KBPS were successfully transmitted. These advancements in the high-speed wireless system help achieve call stability and reliability, two critical factors for transmitting large volumes of data over a mobile network in a high-density environment like Hong Kong.

With this launch of Hong Kong's first HSCSD service at a speed of 43.2 KBPS, mobile data service customers can enjoy high-speed wireless data transmission when using appropriate card phone models connected to a designated dial-up number.

Additionally, the testing milestones make Cable & Wireless HKT Mobile Services ready to offer General Packet Radio Service capabilities as powered by Nokia Networks . With the successful testing of the Nokia GPRS network, Cable & Wireless HKT Mobile Services may explore deploying innovative mobile applications that enable total IP mobility.

Adam Wong, Cable & Wireless HKT Mobile Services director of mobile networks, said its 3G systems developments are the firm's top priority in order to lead the mobile industry by deploying the latest technologies in Hong Kong.

"These trial results will be most constructive in our future service planning and enhancements, Wong said. "With Nokia, we are committed pushing the limits of 3G communication."

Jonathan Yip, Nokia Networks general manager, said the completion of the 3G trial marks a major step its migration toward next-generation mobile communications services in Hong Kong.

"Sharing the same vision to make the Internet a pervasive tool for everyone, Nokia and Cable & Wireless HKT Mobile Services will continue working hand-in-hand to bring the latest technology and quality services to local mobile users," Yip said.

Cable & Wireless HKT, a Cable & Wireless company, is one of Hong Kong's first full-service communications providers. It provides an array of voice and data telecom services over its fully digital fiber optic network, including basic and mobile telephony, fax and data products, and Internet access.

In related news, Nokia and KPNQwest Tuesday signed a long-term contract to develop Pan-European Digital Subscriber Line access.

The Nokia and KPNQwest deal intends to deliver high-speed broadband access services using DSL technology later this year. KPNQwest is constructing one of the largest pan-European DSL footprints built to significantly expand its service offering in broadband access to major European cities.

As part of the first phase of its European expansion plans, KPNQwest plans launch commercial services in Germany during the third quarter of this year. The first customers are scheduled to be connected in Dusseldorf before the end of the second quarter.

In the second phase of deployment, DSL services will be rolled out in all European countries when deregulation allows.

The ongoing telecom deregulation throughout Europe provides competitive opportunities for new entrants to gain