SmarTone Telecommunications Holdings announced that it will start promoting the third generation mobile communications network service (3G) in Hong Kong starting in December 2004.

Douglas Li, CEO of the company, said that in order to achieve this end, they have reached cooperative agreements with Hong Kong Subway operator MTR Company to build a 3G network covering the whole subway system. According to Li, network construction work will be started in 2005 and completed by the end of the year.

Currently, Hutchison Whampoa Limited is the only 3G operator in Hong Kong. Sunday Communications Ltd in Hong Kong also has said it will launch 3G service at the beginning of 2005.