China Telecom Expands Network to Include HKChina Telecom, the country's largest provider of telecommunications services, and Hutchinson Global Crossing, a Hong Kong-based fixed network operator, Thursday combined to launch their Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong fibre optic transmission system, otherwise known as the SDH (synchronic digital hierarchy) ring.The project extends China Telecom's optical fibre transmission system to Hong Kong and makes Hutchinson Global the first fixed network operator in Hong Kong to establish a direct connection to that system. Hutchison Global Crossing is a Hong Kong-based joint venture established by Hutchinson Whampoe and Asia Global Crossing. It specializes primarily in the operation of fixed telecom networks and provides a wide range of communications services, including local and international telephone service, Internet service and wide-band telecommunications. The 80-kilometre-long SDH ring, a high-tech information-transfer system based on the latest fibre optic technology, starts from Guangzhou, runs through Futian in Shenzhen and ends at the Hong Kong border. The ring was completed when China Telecom and Hutchison networks were joined through Hutchison's "diversity interconnect link." The systems were officially connected in June via a seabed cable which was rendered secure and storm-resistant through the application of Hutchison's unique technology. "The SDH ring is an important part of our commitment to develop Hong Kong into Asia's telecom hub,'' said Ye Zelin, operating president of Hutchinson Global Crossing. According to the president, the newly constructed optical fibre network is capable of expansion, huger transmission and greater stability, making it possible for both his company and China Telecom to offer more advanced telecom services to the region's growing number of Internet and telecom customers. The transmission system will undoubtedly further sharpen Hutchison's competitive edge in its telecom business ventures outside Hong Kong. According to Ye, the operation of the system will make it possible for Hutchinson Global Crossing to take full advantage of China Telecom's network to offer telecom services nationwide, in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan and Shanghai in particular. According to Zhang Guozhen, manager of China Telecom's network construction and operation department, the operation of the new optical fibre transmission system will also better satisfy the intensifying market demand for voice telecommunications as well as wide-band telecommunications between China and Hong Kong. China Telecom and Hutchinson Global Crossing signed the co-operative agreement late last year in an effort to expand each other's respective markets. [Source: chinadaily.com.cn] |
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