(17 April 2019, Hong Kong) The spectrum licenses in the 26GHz and 28GHz bands will be released soon, and Hong Kong is entering a new era of 5G. Today, China Mobile Hong Kong relocated the China Mobile 5G Innovation Centre “Hong Kong Open Lab” from Kwai Chung to Hong Kong Science Park to accelerate the development of the 5G ecosystem, catering to the needs of local business partners. China Mobile Hong Kong also announced that a 26 / 28GHz base station will be installed in Causeway Bay by the end of April and will continue to proactively advance the development of the 5G network.
The 5G Innovation Centre was founded by China Mobile Communications Corporation in February 2016. Hong Kong Open Lab has proactively initiated collaborations with telecom and vertical industry partners to echo the Hong Kong Government’s initiative in promoting research and innovation in technological development to build a 5G cross-industry social integration ecosystem since its opening in March 2018. After the relocation to Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Open Lab will further carry out the “5G+ Project” to complement the existing 4G network with 5G infrastructure; to promote application of 5G technologies in various scopes; and to develop more comprehensive 5G ecosystems in developing a diversified economy and improving the quality of life.
Leveraging its geographical advantages, the new Hong Kong Open Lab is ideally situated much closer to talents in technology to build a cross-industry ecosystem that thrives on shared success. Also, with a larger space in its new location, Hong Kong Open Lab will be able to provide a 5G network environment and a larger co-working space for local business partners to conduct trials of innovative 5G network applications, supporting the industry on research and development, as well as contributing to the establishment of Hong Kong into a leading smart city.
Mr. Sean Lee, Director & Chief Executive Officer of China Mobile Hong Kong Limited, said, “We are very excited for the expansion and relocation of the China Mobile 5G Innovation Centre and Hong Kong Open Lab to the Hong Kong Science Park, and for the opportunity to join the local innovation and technology ecosystem in there to further develop 5G mobile service applications and carry out the “5G+ Project.” We will continue to complement the existing 4G network with 5G infrastructure, to promote 5G technologies along with new communication technologies – for example, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud, Big Data and Edge Computing – to develop comprehensive 5G ecosystems in accomplishing the digitalisation of lives for Hong Kong citizens and to enter the new era of 5G together. We strongly believe the concept of “4G changes lives, 5G changes society.” The 5G network will not only provide consumers with data service, but will also be a solid foundation for smart city applications.”
Mr. Albert Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, said, “We warmly welcome the relocation of China Mobile 5G Innovation Centre Hong Kong Open Lab to Hong Kong Science Park. Hong Kong Science Park, a living laboratory with over 700 technology companies and startups, provided an ideal environment for trying out various R&D innovations. The relocation by China Mobile will bring more 5G-related knowledge and technical support to park companies, facilitate the innovation and technology ecosystem to jointly accelerate the trial, co-creation and application of 5G technologies in different technology areas and achieve the Smart City vision for Hong Kong.”
China Mobile Hong Kong showcased various 5G application today, including an autonomous vehicle, intelligent robot, high-resolution watch-on-demand and video streaming services, and drone and smart city applications, in the process demonstrating how 5G technology changes lives and society. The Hong Kong Open Lab will open to different parties for visits, for those looking to understand more about China Mobile’s 5G achievements, CMHK's future 5G development roadmap, and their mission in supporting local business partners in different industries in applying, developing and testing innovative 5G applications.
