ASIA : CSL announced the launch of Asia’s first commercial EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) network in Hong Kong. Mobile customers in Hong Kong will now be able to enjoy data applications at a faster data transfer rate when using an EDGE capable device, such as the new Nokia 6220 video phone ( INSET ).

Earlier this year, CSL signed an agreement with Nokia to deliver EDGE enhancements to CSL’s existing GSM data network. The enhancements will enable customers in Hong Kong to access mobile multimedia services at higher speeds, and improve the quality of service such as Video Message, Multimedia Messaging Service, Java games, email and WAP browsing.

"We are pleased to launch Asia’s first commercial EDGE network with enhanced quality in terms of reliability, capacity and speed," says Mr Hubert Ng, CSL’s Chief Executive Officer. "The adoption of EDGE is a natural evolution of the existing GPRS network. The deployment of EDGE further strengthens our market leadership in the mobile communications industry. The EDGE deployment is also aimed at accelerating the adoption of mobile data services, and prepares the market when the next generation of mobile data gets widely accepted.”

“CSL will first roll out the EDGE network covering key locations such as main MTR and KCRC routes, business districts, the airport and heavy data traffic areas. We will progressively develop EDGE in other areas when the demand grows,” Mr Ng added.

"Nokia congratulates CSL on this significant achievement and milestone," said James Lin, Vice President and General Manager, Nokia Networks, Asia Pacific. “Backed by our strong position in EDGE & WCDMA technology, CSL can be assured of Nokia’s continued commitment in enabling the company to achieve its business goals and enjoying a cost-effective migration path to the next-generation of mobile networks,”
he added.

EDGE enhances network quality and reliability. It also enables a maximum transmission speeds at 473 kbps. With the first EDGE-enabled handset - Nokia 6220 video phone, CSL customers can enjoy a series of mobile data applications at speeds up to 118 kbps, almost three times of existing GPRS services.

About Hong Kong CSL Limited (“CSL”)
CSL is a pioneer in the mobile communications market in Hong Kong. Combining technical and engineering excellence with an in-depth understanding of the mobile market, it translates leading-edge technologies into customer-focused solutions that meet the needs of different market segments. The Company is acknowledged as the first in Hong Kong to employ a distinctive market segmentation strategy by marketing its services through its mobile brands: 1O1O and One2Free. Quality and innovation are the commitments delivered to all mobile customers through these two brands.

The Company launched its mobile services early in 1983 and today operates a world-class GSM/Dual Band network. CSL also offers comprehensive pre-paid mobile services and international roaming services with the widest coverage in more than 220 destinations around the world. The Company became the world’s first operator to introduce a High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD) service in May 2000, and, in November 2000, it launched the first commercial General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) in Hong Kong.