Hutchison Delays 3G Network Launch

Hutchison Whampoa has blamed alleged demand for 3G handsets in Europe and Australia for a decision to delay its 3G network launch in Hong Kong. No direct comment was made about speculation that has been circulating that the delay is due to an apparent interoperability problem between Nokia supplied base stations and NEC 3G handsets, although the company did pointedly state that it has appointed NEC and Siemens as joint suppliers of the radio access network covering radio network controllers, radio base stations and network management system, whilst Nokia has been retained as the supplier of the core network. Nokia is presumably not supplying any more base stations to the network.

Hutchison 3G Hong Kong is only expected to launch its 3 services this August.

In the meantime, 3 service trials in Hong Kong are underway for internal users and related business associates, designed to test and perfect 3's products and services ahead of service rollout. Marketing programs for 3 are also gathering pace, including online registration, lucky draws and advertising billboards at key commercial districts in the territory. The service trials follow the completion of the construction of Hong Kong's first 3G network.

Mrs Agnes Nardi, Managing Director of Hutchison Telecom (HK), said, "Our readiness for 3 service launch is in good progress. The network and system infrastructure are developed and the results of the service trials are encouraging. Our marketing programs have commenced and will increasingly build up brand awareness for launch. We are confident that we will deliver the first 3G services with unrivalled quality in Hong Kong, bringing the local mobile market into a new exciting era of video and multimedia communications."

Posted to the site on 4th July 2003