China Mobile Hong Kong, subsidiary of the world's largest mobile operator China Mobile Limited, has selected Ericsson ERIC +4.09% to expand their commercial LTE network with TD-LTE (LTE TDD) in Hong Kong.

Ericsson is the sole supplier for China Mobile Hong Kong's LTE FDD network. Together the companies will now build a converged LTE FDD/TDD network.

Leveraging on the advantage of the LTE FDD installed base, Ericsson will also upgrade the operator's existing Evolved Packet Core (EPC) network.

China Mobile Hong Kong launched LTE FDD mobile data services in April this year. Now it plans to launch a TD-LTE network according to 3GPP standards, complementing its existing LTE FDD network. The converged LTE FDD/TDD network will be launched as early as the fourth quarter, when devices that support both modes become available in larger volumes.

"We chose Ericsson, a global leader in the LTE space, as our TD-LTE network partner," said Sean Lee, Director and CEO of China Mobile Hong Kong. "By partnering with Ericsson and maximizing our spectrum asset, we will build a converged LTE FDD/TDD network that gives our customers an even better 4G experience."

"This contract marks another significant milestone for Ericsson and further consolidates our network leadership in the region," said Mats H Olsson, President of Ericsson China & North East Asia. "With our continued innovation in technology, services and design, we are committed to further enhance China Mobile's mobile services in Hong Kong and extend our long-standing relationship with the operator."

Under the agreement, Ericsson will deliver the TD-LTE radio access network, network management using Ericsson OSS-RC, Evolved Packet Core network expansion and upgrade,consulting and systems integration services as well related design, training and support services.

Ericsson has now signed 67 LTE/EPC contracts in 30 countries on five continents. We have a well proven LTE solution, outperforming competition, and according to measurements end of 2011, we have a 60% market share measured in LTE volumes.