Hutchison Global Communications Ltd. (HGC) on Thursday announced it has formed a Mainland-Hong Kong network with China Netcom International Corp. (CNCI), allowing HGC to expand its network capacity to 22.5Gbps, the largest cross-border bandwidth among all fixed telecom network services (FTNS) operators in Hong Kong, stated the company.
Under a bilateral agreement with CNCI, HGC creates a direct fibre-optic interconnection with CNC’s nation-wide transmission network in Mainland China. The network runs from HGC’s interconnection points at Man Kam To and Lok Ma Chau to Futian, Shenzhen, reaching major cities in the Mainland, including Guangzhou, Dongguan, Shanghai and Beijing.
The interconnection features an initial capacity of 10Gbps with a scalable structure to support both its legacy and next generation services. Coupled with its existing 12.5Gbps bandwidth system established with China Telecom, the company’s total network capacity between Hong Kong and Mainland China now reaches 22.5Gbps.
The joint cooperation is a response to the growing demand for speedy, reliable and flexible cross-border communications, stated HGC. Demand is expected to grow even further with the implementation of Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA).
“HGC is proud to lead this establishment of cross-border network capacity with CNCI, and to own the largest Mainland–HK bandwidth,” said Andrew Kwok, head of International at HGC. “This will allow both parties to deliver high service level assurances while opening up new opportunities for innovative and value-added telecommunications services,” he added.
The interconnection is expected to strengthen HGC’s offering of cross-border services, such as international private leased circuit (IPLC), Internet protocol virtual private network (IP-VPN), and IDD services.
This announcement came only two weeks after HGC was acquired by local system integration services provider Vanda Systems & Communications Ltd. The acquisition was expected to strengthen the company’s offering and geographical coverage.
