China Mobile International Limited and America's Clearwire jointly announced that the two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding for the opening of TD-LTE international roaming services between China and America.
This is reportedly the first TD-LTE international roaming MOU in the world.
Under the agreement, China Mobile International and Clearwire will implement cooperation in business and technical operation sectors. They will adjust their respective systems and equipment and establish a feasible way to ensure the realization of international roaming between TD-LTE networks of the two parties. With this agreement, they hope to create an international roaming agreement blueprint for other members of the Global TD-LTE Initiative.
Lin Zhenhui, chairman for China Mobile International, said that they successfully realized the two-way roaming between the TD-LTE network in Hangzhou and FDD LTE network in Hong Kong. With the start of commercial use of TD-LTE network in major markets worldwide, the company will provide customers with seamless international roaming service experience. Their goal is to provide integrated LTE TDD/FDD roaming services with partners and allow users to enjoy the LTE global services at reasonable prices.
John Saw, senior vice president and chief technology president of Clearwire, said that the agreement with China Mobile will increase power for the development of Clearwire's LTE network and the development of the global TD-LTE ecosystem. The establishment and interoperability of the global TD-LTE ecosystem will become a major achievement of the two companies. They are glad to form a powerful cooperating relationship with a global leading company like China Mobile.
At present, China Mobile and Clearwire are committed to the development of TD-LTE network in their respective market. With the collaboration of the two companies, they will offer 4G international roaming services to customers and promote the establishment of a unified access method for 4G services.
Financial terms of the deal have not been forthcoming.
