China Mobile to Deploy National FTTx Network in 2009
Interfax, 11/17/08
China Mobile (NYSE: CHL; 0941.HK) is trialing fiber optic broadband networks in the provinces of Jiangsu and Guangdong and may begin deployment of a national fiber network in 2009. The trial FTTx networks, which are being deployed by FiberHome (600498.SH), will be based on EPON technology and will provide 1 Gbps of bandwidth. Services will initially be offered to China Mobile service centers, upscale office buildings and VIP customers with high average revenue per user (ARPU).
The trials come as China Mobile is looking towards providing fixed-mobile convergence services, however it is currently lacking a suitable national fixed-line network. The timetable for any large-scale rollout will be dependent on the results of the current trials.
Editor's Note: For more background on this topic, please see "FiberHome Wins Jiangsu Mobile FTTx Projects", MD 11/10/08 issue.
Keywords: 0941.HK 600498.SH bandwidth broadband China Mobile CHL convergence EPON Fiberhome fixed-line FTTx Jiangsu Mobile telecom timetable fiber optics FMC wireless