As a telecom operator rooted in Macau, CTM, a subsidiary of CITIC Telecom International, is committed to providing world-class telecommunication services to the Macau citizens. Over the years, it has continuously invested in resources to introduce and conduct research on the latest IT development, with the advanced network technology to promote the development process of “Digital Macau”. Following the introduction of the global 5G standard in June 2018, CTM immediately proceeded with 5G network testing which was successfully completed recently. The result has formed a useful basis of reference for the estimation of spectrum resources and cell sites deployment arrangements required for the construction of 5G in Macau. CTM said that if the 5G license and spectrum arrangements are progressing well, it is confident that 5G in Macau will synchronize with the neighboring regions which will be launched for commercial use in 2020.

On 27^th September 2018, CTM held a press conference at the Macao Science Center. Chairman of CITIC Telecom International Xin Yuejiang, CEO of CITIC Telecom International Lin Zhenhui, CEO of CTM Vandy Poon, Vice President of Network Services Declan Leong, Vice President of Commercial Ebel Cham, Director of Network Operations Thomas Ng, Director of Corporate Communications Eliza Chan, attended the event to introduce the 5G deployment plan in Macau. Chairman Xin stressed that CITIC Telecom will fully support the development and testing of 5G in Macau, and we will spare no effort in building Macau a world-class smart city. 

Vandy Poon, CEO of CTM, said that 5G technology is the key to further deepen and accelerate the development of smart city. Therefore, CTM has been paying high attention to the development of 5G network, and has set a timetable for 5G  since last year with the full support of CITIC Telecom International, the major shareholder of CTM. In June this year, when the global 5G network standard was announced, CTM immediately started the 5G network testing, and actively engaged in close communication with the government on 5G licenses and spectrum arrangements in Macau.

Poon said that the company will invest more resources in 5G network testing and network construction. If the 5G license and spectrum arrangement are progressing smoothly, it is confident that 5G in Macau will synchronize with the neighboring regions which will be launched for commercial use in 2020 and will introduce various 5G applications and services that suit Macau.

Declan Leong, Vice President of Network Services, said that the challenges of building 5G in Macau are mostly spectrum resources and cell sites deployment. He pointed out that the high transmission rate and low latency of 5G networks indicates that higher spectrum segments are required, such as 3.5GHz and 26 / 28GHz (mmWave) medium and high frequency bands. In addition, as the number of 5G cell sites will be more than that of 4G. However, due to the objective conditions of Macau, it will be a great challenge to operators in the deployment of 5G cell sites. Therefore, CTM has also made recommendations to the government on relevant issues, and hopes to solve the problem of 5G cell sites with a better solution.

Declan Leong said that in addition to accelerating the development of 5G network, CTM will continue to invest resources to optimize 4G network services. Currently, CTM has fully utilized the spectrum resources under the 4G license. The company has been in discussion with the government to appeal for more spectrum resources in order to further optimize the 4G network experience.

CTM will continue to invest resources to continuously improve and optimize the existing network infrastructure and to promote smart applications based on 5G network technology to inject more innovative elements and impetus for the development of  “Digital Macau”.