CSL claims first 1800MHz/2600MHz dual-band LTE launch

CSL has launched what it claims is the world’s first commercial 1800MHz/2600MHz dual-band 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network for users of its premium brand ‘1O1O’.

Having launched LTE services in the 2600MHz band in November 2010, CSL’s latest network upgrade is based on Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology allowing dual band LTE frequencies (1800MHz and 2600MHz) in a single radio cell.

Mark Liversidge, chief marketing officer for 1O1O, said ‘With a mature, stable network already in place, 1O1O is in a uniquely strong position to continue enhancing 4G coverage with this LTE SDR technology.’

CSL carried out its November 2010 launch of a dual-mode LTE/Dual-Carrier HSPA+ (DC-HSPA+) network for selected corporate 1O1O users, using the 2600MHz band for LTE, before extending LTE services for existing consumer 1O1O subscribers in May 2011, and making LTE available for all CSL customers in August 2011. CSL launched voice for LTE handset users via Circuit Switch Fallback in Feburary, 2011 and the company claimed the world’s first LTE international roaming with Korea’s SK Telecom, for 1O1O users in June 2012. It has rolled out its LTE/DC-HSPA+ network to over 90% of Hong Kong’s population, and is preparing for the rollout of LTE-Advanced technology.

CSL New World Mobility (registered as CSL Limited) is a group operating three very distinct brands, 1O1O, One2Free and New World.