The Telecommunications Regulation Bureau (DSRT) announced on Monday that it has granted four companies licences to provide 4G services.
A total of six companies tendered for the licence last year. The four telecoms which won the bid are CTM, China Telecom, SmarTone and Hutchison. The two that did not meet the government’s requirements are China Mobile and U Hong.
The telecoms granted the licences are required to provide a 4G service within this year. Their coverage must reach at least 50 percent this year. The 4G licences have an eight-year term. The bureau said that after a two-year review of the telecom industry’s development and depending on customer demand, it would consider putting up a fifth 4G licence for bidding.
CTM Chief Executive Officer Vandy Poon Fuk Hei said in a statement that the company would provide locals with the most advanced 4G services within this year based on the company’s extensive knowledge and experience in infrastructure projects.
China Telecom said that it was confident of launching a full coverage of 4G service from the third quarter of this year. It also promised that it will provide 4G experience in advance for locals to try, also pledging to lower tariffs.
Hutchison said that it would start offering its 4G service in the fourth quarter.
SmarTone could not be reached for comments Monday night. (macaunews/macaupost)
