HONG KONG-Hong Kong mobile operator CSL said it launched Asia’s first commercial EDGE network using infrastructure equipment and handsets from Nokia Corp.
The operator plans to roll out the EDGE network in key locations around the city, including the airport, business districts and transportation hubs.
CSL said the network will offer data transmission speeds of up to 473 kilobits per second. The first handset available, the Nokia 6220 video phone, will allow customers to use mobile data applications at speeds up to 118 kbps, CSL said.
The launch is the second commercial launch of EDGE services in the world, followed by U.S. operator Cingular Wireless L.L.C.’s launch in June in Indianapolis.
Hong Kong is a highly competitive mobile market, with six operators vying for about 7 million customers.
