HONG KONG and BELLEVUE, Wash., January 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- China Mobile (NYSE: CHL, HKEx: 0941), the world's largest mobile network and customer base in the world, and Clearwire Corporation (Nasdaq: CLWR), a leading provider of 4G wireless broadband services in the United States, today announced, in conjunction with the Global TD-LTE Initiative (GTI), an agreement on common test specifications and joint interoperability testing (IOT) for TD-LTE devices in the global band configurations, including 2.3GHz to 2.7GHz. This important step forward will enable the companies to further accelerate development of the TD-LTE device ecosystem, especially in multi-mode, multi-band LTE devices.
Beginning this month, China Mobile, Clearwire and other GTI operators will establish 4G mobile broadband labs featuring a joint test platform and IOT environment for TD-LTE devices. The expected availability of the Quad-Band LTE 2.3-2.7 GHz spectrum range, in addition to certain other bands like 1.9GHz, as well as FDD and TD-LTE mobility interactions, makes it an ideal global configuration for mass 4G marketing worldwide. The labs will allow for the evaluation and qualification of commercial TD-LTE devices simultaneously in the U.S., China, and other promising markets, using common testing methodology, equipment, and infrastructure.
"The unmatched spectrum portfolio underlying Clearwire's planned LTE network has the potential to deliver faster speeds and with greater capacity than any current or proposed 4G network in the United States," said Dr. John Saw, chief technology officer of Clearwire. "Close collaboration with global wireless leader China Mobile accelerates the development of multi-mode multi-band TD-LTE and LTE FDD devices and provides the common test specifications OEMs, ODMs, chipset vendors and other critical component manufacturers need to rapidly develop and commercialize products to serve this massive global marketplace."
"Converged with LTE FDD, TD-LTE has become the major global 4G technology for unpaired spectrum," said Mr. Li Zhengmao, Vice President of China Mobile. "Our goal is to build efficient, low cost common infrastructure and terminal for different global markets with different spectrum to support mobile internet. By closely working with global operators such as Clearwire, we could leverage the experience, expertise, and scale to achieve this goal. This is also the reason why we create GTI and promote it jointly."
Clearwire plans to conduct its TD-LTE common IOT in Phoenix, AZ and Herndon, VA. China Mobile's testing will be carried out in Beijing and other TD-LTE trial cities. The joint test platforms will be open for device IOT by key participants in early 2012.
About China Mobile
China Mobile Communications Corporation ("China Mobile") was founded on April 20, 2000, with a registered capital of RMB 51.8 billion, and assets of more than RMB 1000 billion, possessing the largest mobile network and customer base in the world.
China Mobile (Hong Kong) Group Limited is wholly-owned by China Mobile. China Mobile (Hong Kong) Group Limited, as of 31 December 2010, holds 74.21% equity interest in China Mobile Limited ("listed company" for short). The listed company has wholly owned subsidiary companies in 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) as well as Hong Kong SAR. China Mobile Limited was listed on the New York Stock Exchange and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. Currently, China Mobile Limited is the world's largest telecommunications company by market value.
China Mobile has been selected in the world's top 500 by the U.S. "Fortune" magazine for 11 consecutive years, and the latest ranking is 87th. With its brand value rising, it has been named as one of the world's most powerful brands by the "Financial Times" for 6 consecutive years. In addition, it was recognized on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for 4 consecutive years, being the only company selected in Mainland China. Additional information is available at http://www.chinamobile.com.
About Clearwire
Clearwire Corporation (Nasdaq: CLWR), through its operating subsidiaries, is a leading provider of mobile broadband services. Clearwire's 4G network currently provides coverage in areas of the U.S. where more than 130 million people live. Clearwire's open all-IP network, combined with significant spectrum holdings, provides an unprecedented combination of speed and mobility to deliver next generation broadband access. The company markets its 4G service through its own brand called CLEAR® as well as through its wholesale relationships with companies such as Sprint, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Locus Telecommunications, Cbeyond, Mitel, Best Buy and United Online. Strategic investors include Intel Capital, Comcast, Sprint, Google, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks. Clearwire is headquartered in Bellevue, Wash. Additional information is available at http://www.clearwire.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release may be viewed as "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual performance, financial condition or results of operations of China Mobile Limited (the "Company") to be materially different from any future performance, financial condition or results of operations implied by such forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these risks, uncertainties and other factors is included in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and in the Company's other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
