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SmarTone Telecommunications Holdings Limited (0315.HK), listed in Hong Kong since 1996 and a subsidiary of Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited, is a leading telecommunications provider with operating subsidiaries in Hong Kong, offering voice, multimedia and mobile broadband services, as well as fixed fibre broadband services for both consumer and corporate markets. SmarTone spearheaded 5G development in Hong Kong since May 2020, with the launch of its territory-wide 5G services.[1] SmarTone is also the first in Hong Kong to launch Home 5G Broadband service.[2]

Key Information

History

[edit]

SmarTone was launched by Sun Hung Kai Properties and ABC Communications in 1992. It started operations in March 1993 as the first GSM network in Hong Kong and in Asia.[citation needed] It used to have another branding EXTRA for its GSM-1800-only packages obtained by the acquisition of P Plus Communications in March 1998. The brand EXTRA ended in 2002 and was merged into SmarTone's dual-band network.[3]

A new branding "SmarTone-Vodafone" was officially launched in April 2005, following a partnership agreement with Vodafone in December 2004. This brand name was used only in Hong Kong. SmarTone retained its original brand name in Macau.

On 19 September 2011, SmarTone Telecommunications Holdings Limited announced that it would not renew its marketing co-operation with Vodafone and reverted its brand to SmarTone from December 2011.[4]

In January 2018, SmarTone launched a new brand, Birdie, which is targeting millennial. Birdie has two products: the no contract local mobile plan and the travel data SIM card (simply known as Birdie Travel SIM).[5][6]

In March 2019, SmarTone pushed the frontier to 5G and pioneered Hong Kong’s first 5G live field trial in 3.5 GHz and 28 GHz bands simultaneous[7]

On 26 May 2020, SmarTone launched its 5G service in Hong Kong, offering ultra fast 5G connectivity with the widest network coverage both indoors and outdoors.[8]

In September 2020, SmarTone launched Hong Kong’s first Home 5G Broadband Service, offering 5G ultra-fast speed, simple plug-and-play setup and fibrefree convenience for residential users.[9]

In May 2021, SmarTone unveiled ‘5G LAB’ at Sky100 Observation Deck of International Commerce Centre to showcase Hong Kong’s world-class 5G innovation and solidify its status as a global 5G leader.[10]

In December 2022, SmarTone announced a collaboration with The Point, an integrated loyalty programme of Sun Hung Kai Properties. SmarTone’s customers can automatically earn 1 The Point bonus point upon every eligible spending of $2 at SmarTone.[11]

Network Development

[edit]

Hong Kong

[edit]
Frequencies used on SmarTone in Hong Kong
Frequency Frequency Width Protocol Notes
700 MHz (713~718; 768~773) [12] 2*5 MHz [1]
850 MHz (825~837.5; 870~882.5) [13] 2*12.5 MHz GSM/LTE [2]
900 MHz (910~915;955~960) 2*5 MHz GSM/LTE
1800 MHz (1710~1720;1805~1815)+(1740~1750;1835~1845) 2*20 MHz ( not contiguous) GSM/LTE
2100 MHz (1920.3 – 1925.3;2110.3 – 2115.3)+(1960.0 – 1964.9;2150.0 – 2154.9) 2*20 MHz ( not contiguous) LTE
2600 MHz (2520~2530;2640~2650) 2*10 MHz LTE
3.3 GHz (3360~3380) 20 MHz
3.5 GHz (3510~3560) 50 MHz
4.9 GHz (4920-4960) 40 MHz

2G

[edit]
  • March 1993 – Launched Asia's first GSM mobile service
  • December 1993 – Launched Asia's first auto-GSM roaming service
  • December 2002 – Launched SmarTone iN! – Proprietary advanced multimedia services mobile portal for customers
  • August 2012 – Re-farmed the 2G 1800 MHz frequency band for its 4G LTE network and put into use [14]
  • September 2014 – Announced in the 2013/2014 Annual Results Announcement that it started to re-farm its 2G 900 MHz spectrum for 4G LTE, to provide even better coverage. The re-farming targets to complete at the end of 2014 [15]
  • August 2022 - Announced to Terminate 2G Services on 14 October 2022 [16]

3G

[edit]
  • December 2004 – Launched 3G services
  • July 2007 – Became the first company in the world to enable customers to stream flash video when browsing on any 3G feature phone
  • April 2010 – Debut 28.8 Mbit/s HSPA+ network
  • September 2001 – Successfully bid the 3G license in Hong Kong [17]
  • March 2011 – Won the auction for 850 MHz frequency band for its 3G service [18]

4G

[edit]
  • August 2012 – Launched its 4G service with 1800 MHz spectrum, supporting all 4G smartphones available in Hong Kong. 1800 MHz spectrum provides better indoor coverage than higher frequency spectrum [19]
  • September 2012 – Became the only Hong Kong mobile operator approved by Apple to offer 4G on iPhone 5. SmarTone emphasized that "it is the only operator in HK offers 4G network on iPhone 5" [20]
  • November 2012 – Extended 4G LTE coverage on all MTR Island Line stations and targets to offer 4G LTE coverage at all MTR stations and its connecting tunnels in early 2013 [21][22]
  • January 2013 – Provided 4G LTE network along the seven MTR lines (Island Line, Kwun Tong Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Tseng Kwan O Line, Tung Chung Line, Disney Line and the Airport Express). In the same year, it successfully bid for 2 x 10 MHz at the 2600 MHz frequency band for its 4G network to expand its network capacity and offer higher speed [23][24]
  • December 2013 – Extended its 4G coverage to KCR's lines (East Rail Line, West Rail Line and Ma On Shan Line) and Lok Ma Chau Line[25]
  • August 2014 – Launched VoLTE service but only supported selected smartphone models [26]
  • September 2014 – Commenced the re-farming of 2G 900MHZ spectrum for its 4G LTE, to provide better indoor coverage. Target to complete the re-farming end of this year. SmarTone planned to meet the growing data demand with cell densification, small cell technologies, LTE-Advanced, as well as refarming [27][28]
  • October 2016 – Extended 4G coverage to the new MTR Kwun Tong Line Extension, covering the new Whampoa and Ho Man Tin stations [29]
  • December 2016 - Extended 4.5G coverage to the new South Island Line, including Ocean Park, Wong Chuk Hang, Lei Tung and South Horizons stations and deployed additional 2100 MHz spectrum to all MTR lines [30]

5G

[edit]
  • November 2016 – Partnered with Ericsson for a five-year partnership toward 5G, commencing early trials and pilot deployments of key pre-5G technologies to take place in Q4 2016 [14]
  • May 2020 - Launched its 5G service[31]
  • Sept 2020 - Launched its Home 5G Broadband Service [32]
  • Oct 2021 - Acquired 65 MHz of New Radio Spectrum Expanding Network Capacity to Support Future 5G Business Growth[33][34]
  • May 2022 - 5G network coverage extends to East Rail Line cross-harbour extension Optimal network experience spanning all Hong Kong MTR stations[35]
  • Dec 2022 - 5G Network covers Tseung Kwan O – Lam Tin Tunnel and Cross Bay Link[36]

Macau

[edit]
See also: Telecommunications in Macau § Telephone

The 2G, 3G and 4G networks of SmarTone Macau were built by Nokia Networks.[37][38]

2G

[edit]
  • July 2001 – Launched GSM mobile service in Macau
  • Its market share was estimated at approximately 11% as of December 31, 2003.[39]
  • 2019 - 2G service terminated as Macau decommissioned 2G network.[40]

3G

[edit]
  • July 2010 – Launched 3G service in Macau

4G

[edit]
  • November 2015 – Launched 4G service in Macau
  • August 2024 - The Macau SAR Government has received an application from SmarTone to forgo the 4G license and plans to cease renewing the 3G license after expiration.[41] According to the Post and Telecommunications Bureau (CTT), SmarTone (at that time) had a relatively small market share in Macau, only a single-digit percentage.[42]
  • SmarTone MAC is the only carrier not yet to offer VoLTE in Macau, till its operation ceased.[43]
Frequencies used on SmarTone in Macau (Before operation ceased)
Frequency Frequency Width Protocol Notes
1800 MHz (1750-1760; 1845-1855) 2*10 MHz LTE [44]
2100 MHz (1930-1935; 2120-2125) 2*5 MHz UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+

Home 5G Broadband Service

[edit]

SmarTone was Hong Kong’s first telecom operator to launch Home 5G Broadband service in September 2020, offering 5G ultra-fast speed, simple plug-and-play setup and fibrefree convenience for residential users.[45]

Fibre Broadband Service

[edit]

SmarTone launched its fibre broadband service for the home and office markets in 2014.[46]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

SmarTone

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
SmarTone Holdings Limited (SEHK: 0315) is a provider based in , specializing in mobile communications, services, and enterprise solutions across and . Founded in 1992 and listed on the since 1996, the company operates as a of Limited (SEHK: 0016), delivering voice, multimedia, , fixed fiber , and offerings to consumer and corporate markets. SmarTone launched the territory's first 5G home broadband service in 2020, which requires no wiring or installation. Its mobile services include high-speed and 4.5G plans starting from HK$99 monthly, prepaid SIM and data cards for flexible usage, and roaming data options for and , all supported by a territory-wide network. In January 2026, SmarTone launched AI Connect, Hong Kong's first telecommunications service providing seamless, no-setup direct access to multiple leading AI platforms (including web-based ChatGPT, Google Gemini, DALL·E, and Sora) via its mobile network, priced at HK$28 per month with promotional free periods for certain plans, emphasizing privacy protection and no VPN requirement. For fixed services, SmarTone provides home broadband plans enabling ultra-fast connectivity, alongside traditional options for households and businesses. In the enterprise sector, it offers IoT solutions to drive . As of 2025, the company reports penetration of around 40% in its customer base of 2.87 million and double-digit growth in 5G home broadband subscriptions. The company's market position is supported by its infrastructure, including over 30 retail stores and five sub-brands. It ranked among the Kantar BrandZ Top 30 Strongest Brands in for 2024, the only telecommunications operator in the top 10. Headquartered in , , SmarTone invests in coverage and customer-centric innovations, such as the SmarTone CARE app for bill management and exclusive offers.

Overview and Background

Company Profile

SmarTone Holdings Limited is a prominent telecommunications company based in , established in 1992 as a provider of mobile and related services. Headquartered at 378 Kwun Tong Road, , , the company primarily operates in the market, focusing on mobile communications, fixed broadband, and enterprise solutions, with operations in having ceased on November 11, 2024. As a subsidiary of , SmarTone emphasizes premium services and innovation in technologies. The company's core business segments include consumer mobile services encompassing voice, data, and international ; home options leveraging 5G and fiber-optic networks; and corporate solutions such as IoT integrations, cybersecurity, and managed IT services. In the enterprise space, SmarTone targets growth through tailored connectivity and offerings for businesses. Its mobile operations serve approximately 2.87 million subscribers in as of mid-2025, representing a stable base with 40% penetration in services. SmarTone holds a of around 10-15% in Hong Kong's overall mobile sector, positioning it as a key player behind larger incumbents, while leading as the top provider in the 5G home broadband category based on consumer preference surveys. The company was an early adopter of , launching territory-wide services and achieving the largest share in premium home broadband since its introduction in 2020. For the ended June 2025, SmarTone reported of HK$6.25 billion, reflecting modest 1% growth year-over-year, driven primarily by 5G adoption and enterprise segment expansion with 24% EBITDA increase in that area.

Ownership and Governance

SmarTone Telecommunications Holdings Limited is a majority-owned of Limited, which holds approximately 73.18% of its issued shares, providing strategic oversight and long-term investment support as the controlling shareholder. This ownership structure stems from ' foundational involvement since SmarTone's establishment in 1992 and its consolidation of control through a general offer in 2002, which elevated its stake above 50%. Prior to and following this, SmarTone has remained a publicly listed entity on the (HKSE) under stock code 0315 since its in 1996, allowing access to capital markets while benefiting from the parent's dominant influence. The company's governance is led by a Board of Directors chaired by Ping-luen, a and senior executive from , ensuring alignment with the parent's corporate objectives. Key board members include executive directors such as Allen Fung Yuk-lun, serving as Deputy Chairman since 2020 with prior experience as managing partner at in and strategic roles within the Sun Hung Kai group, and Fiona Lau Yeuk-hung, who has been Chief Executive Officer since February 2023, bringing expertise in telecommunications commercial operations from her previous position as at SmarTone and leadership roles at Octopus Holdings Limited. To support robust oversight, the board maintains specialized committees, including the for reviewing financial controls and external auditor remuneration, the Remuneration Committee for determining policies, and the Nomination Committee for board composition and succession planning. As a operator, SmarTone operates under the regulatory framework of the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) in , which issues licenses for mobile services and enforces compliance with spectrum allocation, , and network quality standards. Its former Macau subsidiary, SmarTone Mobile Communications (Macau) Limited, was licensed by the Bureau of Telecommunications Regulation and adhered to local rules on mobile network operations until ceasing services on November 11, 2024, after which regulatory focus returned solely to operations. The majority ownership by has facilitated a model emphasizing , allowing SmarTone to pursue targeted investments in and without the full scrutiny of dispersed public shareholders, while maintaining transparency through HKSE listing requirements.

Historical Development

Establishment and Early Years (1992-1999)

SmarTone Telecommunications Holdings Limited was incorporated in March 1992 in as a primarily between and ABC Communications, a subsidiary of (now part of ), with initial capital aimed at entering the mobile market. The company received its mobile services license from the Hong Kong government in 1992, becoming the second dedicated mobile carrier to challenge established players such as Hutchison and CSL in the territory's emerging digital mobile sector. In March 1993, SmarTone launched Asia's first digital mobile service, operating initially on the 900 MHz band and focusing on high-quality voice services to differentiate from analog competitors. This pioneering rollout positioned the company as an innovator, with early network coverage prioritized for urban areas including and to address intense competition from incumbents. By December 1993, SmarTone introduced Asia's first automatic roaming service through partnerships with international operators, enabling seamless connectivity for travelers and enhancing its appeal in a market dominated by local-focused rivals. Subscriber numbers grew rapidly, reaching over 100,000 by 1996 amid aggressive marketing and service improvements, despite challenges from price wars and limited spectrum availability. In 1997, the company expanded accessibility by launching prepaid mobile services, targeting cost-conscious users and further boosting adoption in a competitive landscape. SmarTone went public on the in October 1996, raising capital through its to fund network expansion and infrastructure upgrades, which helped solidify its position as a key player in Hong Kong's mobile market by the end of the decade. Early operations faced hurdles from dominant incumbents' and the need to build consumer trust in digital technology, but strategic focus on and urban penetration laid the foundation for sustained growth.

Expansion and Key Milestones (2000-2009)

In the early , SmarTone advanced its technological capabilities by securing a third-generation () mobile license. The Telecommunications Authority awarded the license to SmarTone 3G Limited on October 22, 2001, as one of four operators granted permission to provide services in . This positioned SmarTone to transition from its foundational network, enabling higher-speed data and multimedia offerings. By December 2004, SmarTone launched its services using WCDMA technology, branded as SmarTone 3, which supported enhanced voice, video calling, and for users. SmarTone expanded geographically by entering the Macau market. In November 2000, the company secured a mobile license in , taking a 60 percent stake in the consortium awarded the concession. This led to the launch of mobile services under the SmarTone Macau brand in August 2001, marking the company's initial foray beyond and introducing competitive GSM-based telephony to the territory. Although no direct acquisition of a stake in Companhia de Telecomunicações de Macau (CTM) occurred in 2004, SmarTone's operations in grew steadily, focusing on building subscriber loyalty through localized pricing and coverage enhancements during the mid-2000s. Service diversification included innovations in mobile data and . In December 2002, SmarTone introduced the SmarTone iN! platform, a service enabling multimedia messaging service (MMS) and basic over its existing network, priced competitively to align with emerging Japanese models. This laid groundwork for data-centric offerings, with further integration in 2005 through partnerships that bundled mobile data with voice plans, promoting usage of enhanced data services like and web browsing. Subscriber milestones reflected this growth; by June 30, 2005, SmarTone's customer base surpassed 1 million, reaching 1,011,000, supported by introductions of family-oriented plans and expanded international options to over 100 destinations. Network infrastructure saw significant upgrades for reliability and speed. Collaborations with global operators, notably a 2004 Partner Network Agreement with , facilitated EDGE enhancements between 2004 and 2006, improving data speeds to 384 kbps on existing infrastructure and bridging to capabilities. By 2008, SmarTone achieved near-complete population coverage in , with its network reaching approximately 99 percent of the population through strategic site deployments and spectrum optimization. Preparations for next-generation technologies included early trials in the late , focusing on LTE compatibility to future-proof the infrastructure. Financial performance underscored the decade's consolidation. Revenue grew substantially, from approximately HK$1.5 billion in 2000 to HK$3.7 billion by the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, driven by subscriber expansion, data service adoption, and operational efficiencies in both Hong Kong and Macau. This period solidified SmarTone's role as a key player in Hong Kong's competitive telecom landscape, emphasizing service innovation amid market maturation.

Modern Era and Acquisitions (2010-2025)

In 2012, SmarTone obtained spectrum for LTE services from the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) and launched its commercial network on August 28, utilizing the 1800 MHz band to deliver enhanced mobile data speeds across . The rollout initially targeted urban areas and key infrastructure, with early coverage including stations by October 2012. By 2014, SmarTone introduced LTE-Advanced capabilities, aggregating the 1800 MHz and 2600 MHz bands to boost network capacity and performance for postpaid subscribers. This upgrade supported growing data demands, and by 2016, the operator had expanded coverage to additional lines, achieving extensive population reach in urban and transport hubs. SmarTone's transition to 5G began with the acquisition of in the 3.3 GHz band in December 2019, marking one of the first allocations for sub-6 GHz in by OFCA. The company also secured mmWave in the 26/28 GHz bands earlier that year for high-capacity applications. Commercial non-standalone services launched in May 2020, leveraging existing infrastructure for initial deployment and focusing on both sub-6 GHz for broad coverage and mmWave for high-speed indoor scenarios. By late 2020, SmarTone achieved 70% population coverage for , expanding to 99% by 2022 through ongoing investments in base stations and sharing technology. This positioned the operator to support emerging use cases like enhanced amid increasing data consumption. In Macau, SmarTone entered as a in 2001. The company launched services there in November 2015, providing comprehensive outdoor coverage across the territory. By 2017, network expansion was completed, enabling reliable high-speed connectivity in key areas including the and . In August 2024, SmarTone ceased its mobile operations in Macau, returning its license to the and arranging for customer migration to CTM. During the in 2020-2021, SmarTone demonstrated resilience by accelerating digital solutions for , including enhanced data plans and network optimizations to handle surged demand for video conferencing and online collaboration. The operator's postpaid subscriber base grew 6% to 2.7 million, with churn at a low 0.7%, reflecting strong amid economic challenges. adoption accelerated post-launch, reaching approximately 1 million subscribers by 2023 as penetration hit 38% of the postpaid base of 2.65 million. Looking toward 2025, SmarTone continued innovation with AI-enhanced features in and network management, while pursuing through energy-efficient upgrades and integration in its infrastructure. For the ended 30 June 2025, revenue remained stable at HK$6.253 billion, primarily driven by uptake and premium service add-ons. These efforts underscored SmarTone's strategic focus on technological leadership and environmental responsibility in a competitive market.

Services Offered

Mobile Telecommunications

SmarTone's mobile telecommunications services form the core of its consumer offerings, providing reliable voice, , and connectivity solutions tailored for individual and family use in . Postpaid plans typically include unlimited local voice calls within , enabling seamless communication without per-minute charges, while is available at competitive rates starting from HK$0.99 per minute to select destinations. Data plans are structured in tiers to accommodate varying needs, ranging from 10 GB monthly allowances at entry levels to unlimited data options with fair usage policies. These plans leverage SmarTone's network, delivering download speeds up to 1 Gbps in optimal conditions, and have supported activation since 2019 for convenient digital provisioning without physical SIM swaps. For travelers, SmarTone's services ensure global coverage across more than 200 destinations, with automatic activation of roaming upon arrival since the service's early implementation. Enhanced roaming capabilities are available through partnerships with international operators. data packs offer options like 1.2 GB per day for HK$88 in regions, alongside voice rates starting at HK$1.99 per minute. Handset sales are integrated into plan subscriptions, bundling popular devices from Apple and with discounts up to HK$1,500 on designated plans. A trade-in program, launched in 2018, provides rebates of up to HK$300 for eligible old devices, promoting sustainable upgrades and reducing costs for new purchases. Consumer-oriented plans include prepaid options such as local prepaid SIMs designed for flexible use with no-contract data packs starting at HK$65 monthly. Family sharing features allow data pooling across multiple lines on select postpaid plans, enabling shared allowances for households. The pricing structure remains accessible, with entry-level postpaid plans at HK$109 per month offering basic voice and 10 GB data, while premium plans reach HK$399 per month for 180 GB high-speed data plus unlimited usage. As of mid-2025, SmarTone maintains approximately 2.8 million mobile connections, with around 40% migrated to , reflecting steady adoption amid network enhancements. In January 2026, SmarTone launched AI Connect, positioned as Hong Kong's first telecommunications service providing seamless, no-setup direct access to multiple leading AI platforms (including web-based ChatGPT, Google Gemini, DALL·E, and Sora) via its network, without requiring a VPN. The service emphasizes privacy protection through a dedicated network for secure connections and is available exclusively to subscribers of mobile monthly plans at HK$28 per month, with promotional offers including a free first year for customers switching to designated plans. In comparison, other major Hong Kong telecom providers, such as HKT (CSL), have offered limited promotions like free one-year access to a single AI tool (Perplexity Pro) starting in June 2025 (valid until April 2026), without equivalent broad multi-platform direct access services reported.

Fixed and Home Broadband

SmarTone provides fixed broadband services through fiber-optic infrastructure, delivering high-speed internet connectivity for residential users in . These services leverage and Next-Generation PON (NGPON) technologies to offer download speeds up to 10 Gbps, ensuring low latency and reliable performance for streaming, gaming, and . Since establishing a with HKT in , SmarTone has achieved coverage in approximately 80% of 's buildings, focusing on major residential estates and urban districts. In addition to traditional fiber options, SmarTone introduced Home Broadband in 2020 as Hong Kong's first wire-free home internet service, utilizing fixed wireless access (FWA) technology with (CPE) routers for seamless deployment. This service provides download speeds ranging from 500 Mbps to 2 Gbps, depending on location and network conditions, with unlimited data usage and strong indoor signal penetration supported by SmarTone's extensive spectrum holdings. Coverage extends to 95% of urban areas in , making it accessible for most households without the need for physical cabling. SmarTone's broadband plans are designed for flexibility and affordability, with options starting at HK$198 per month for 1 Gbps symmetrical speeds, including free installation in covered areas. Home Broadband plans begin at HK$98 per month (30-month contract) for speeds up to several hundred Mbps, featuring no installation fees and same-day setup via plug-and-play routers. Customers can opt for add-ons such as static IP addresses for advanced applications or bundled discounts when combining with mobile services, enhancing value for multi-device households. By 2025, SmarTone's fixed services have seen significant adoption, with around 300,000 subscribers and 150,000 Home Broadband users, reflecting the growing demand for high-reliability home connectivity. The Home option stands out for its rapid activation—often within hours—ideal for renters or temporary residences, while remains preferred for bandwidth-intensive tasks requiring consistent uptime. These services complement SmarTone's underlying network infrastructure, providing users with robust fixed-location internet without overlapping mobile data functionalities.

Enterprise and Supplementary Services

SmarTone provides a suite of (B2B) offerings through its SmarTone Solutions division, focusing on , connectivity, and security to support corporate operations in . These services include managed IT solutions for workflow automation and , enabling enterprises to streamline operations and enhance productivity. For instance, integrated networking and next-generation facilitate integration, allowing seamless data flow and scalability for applications. In the realm of cybersecurity, SmarTone delivers comprehensive protections such as network-based defenses, endpoint detection, firewalls, and employee programs to safeguard against cyber threats like data theft and . These solutions emphasize and real-time monitoring, helping businesses maintain operational resilience in an increasingly digital environment. Additionally, SmarTone offers anti-cyberattack applications and security rating platforms to assess and mitigate vulnerabilities proactively. Supplementary services extend beyond core connectivity, encompassing professional systems, (IDD) for cost-effective overseas calls, and call management tools to control incoming communications. For device-related support, SmarTone provides handset financing options through interest-free installment plans, such as the " for " program, which allows businesses to upgrade devices without upfront costs. bundles, including the SmarTone Screen Replace™ service underwritten by Avo Insurance Company Limited, cover repairs for smartphones, back covers, and wearable devices against accidental damage. On the enterprise mobile front, SmarTone has advanced its capabilities with dedicated private networks, incorporating network slicing and private deployments as part of its 5G-Advanced rollout to deliver customized, high-performance connectivity for industries. These solutions support low-latency applications in sectors like retail and transportation, with pilots and implementations enhancing operational efficiency through reliable, isolated networks. The company serves a diverse client base exceeding thousands of corporate entities, including finance and government-related organizations, as exemplified by partnerships with firms like Roche for end-to-end ICT solutions. Key innovations include IoT platforms tailored for and , integrating for real-time tracking and in supply chains and facilities. In 2024, SmarTone strengthened through ongoing partnerships, such as with and , to enable low-latency processing for applications, improving data handling at the network edge. Sustainability efforts feature consulting on green networks, achieving a 36% energy efficiency gain via AI-optimized base stations and hardware upgrades, aligning with broader environmental goals. The enterprise segment has been a major growth driver, posting double-digit revenue increases and strong profit contributions in recent years, accounting for a notable portion of overall performance amid the expansion of 5G services. For FY2025, while total revenue remained stable at HK$6,253 million, the enterprise solutions business continued to diversify revenue streams and bolster profitability through these specialized offerings.

Network Infrastructure

Developments in Hong Kong

SmarTone initiated its mobile network infrastructure in with the launch of Asia's first service in March 1993, operating on 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands to provide voice and basic data services. The network expanded progressively through the and early , achieving widespread coverage before the gradual transition to next-generation technologies. By 2006, SmarTone had fully shifted focus to , with services continuing in parallel until their termination in October 2022 to reallocate spectrum for advanced networks. In the 3G era, SmarTone deployed on the 2100 MHz band starting in June 2006, later upgrading to HSPA+ for enhanced data capabilities with peak theoretical speeds of up to 42 Mbps. This infrastructure supported growing mobile internet demand, with refarming efforts beginning around 2010 to optimize bandwidth for higher-efficiency services. The network remains operational as of 2025, with ongoing refarming efforts and initial shutdowns among operators starting in 2025 to support and expansion. SmarTone entered the 4G era in August 2012 by launching LTE services on 1800 MHz spectrum, subsequently expanding to LTE-Advanced across 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 2600 MHz bands. techniques enabled peak download speeds of up to 300 Mbps, improving multimedia and streaming experiences. By 2018, the network achieved near-universal outdoor coverage, reaching 99% of the population, bolstered by extensive site deployments in urban and suburban areas. The 5G rollout commenced in May 2020 with non-standalone (NSA) architecture overlaid on the existing LTE core, transitioning to standalone (SA) mode for full independence by late 2021. SmarTone utilized sub-6 GHz spectrum in the 3.3 GHz (20 MHz) and 3.5 GHz (50 MHz) bands, complemented by mmWave at 28 GHz for high-capacity zones, delivering peak speeds of up to 1.5 Gbps. Coverage expanded rapidly, surpassing 95% population coverage by 2022 and reaching 99% by early 2023, including indoor penetration in key districts and transport hubs. As of 2025, SmarTone's 5G coverage remains at over 99% of the population, with continued investments in standalone 5G and fixed wireless access integration. For fixed network support, SmarTone integrated fiber backhaul infrastructure around 2005 to underpin mobile expansions, partnering with providers like HKBN for high-capacity 100 Gbps Ethernet links dedicated to 5G transport since 2020. This evolved into 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) integration, launching home broadband services in September 2020 to offer plug-and-play ultra-fast connectivity without traditional cabling. SmarTone committed significant capital expenditures to , investing over HK$5 billion from 2019 through 2023 in network upgrades, with ongoing allocations stabilizing post-rollout. Key technologies included massive and , trialed with in 2017 for FDD spectrum to boost capacity up to fivefold, and integrated into deployments for enhanced urban performance. Challenges in Hong Kong's dense environment included securing through the auction of 100 MHz in the 3.3 GHz band, which raised HK$665.1 million total across operators, with SmarTone acquiring 20 MHz to complement its existing 50 MHz in the 3.5 GHz band. Urban densification required deploying thousands of to maintain signal quality in high-traffic areas like stations, addressing interference and capacity demands.

Operations in Macau

SmarTone entered the Macau telecommunications market in 2000 when the government issued new mobile operator licenses to break the monopoly held by CTM, allowing the company to establish operations as SmarTone Mobile Communications () Limited. It launched GSM-based services in August 2001, operating on standard 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands, targeting both local residents and cross-border visitors from . By the mid-2000s, the network had expanded to cover key urban areas, though on a smaller scale than in due to Macau's compact geography and population of around 700,000. The services were terminated in 2019 as part of the global shift away from legacy networks. In July 2010, SmarTone introduced services using HSPA technology on the 2100 MHz band ( Band 1), enabling higher-speed data and multimedia capabilities tailored to Macau's tourism-driven economy. This rollout integrated seamlessly with Hong Kong's networks, emphasizing cross-border to support frequent travelers between the two regions, a key differentiator from purely local operators. The network achieved broad coverage across the , , and , but subscriber growth remained modest amid competition from dominant players like CTM and Hutchison. SmarTone advanced to 4G LTE in November 2015, deploying on the 1800 MHz band (LTE Band 3) with support for both FDD and TDD modes, offering download speeds up to 150 Mbps. By 2019, the network provided over 99% population coverage, focusing on high-traffic areas such as tourist districts and casinos to accommodate data-intensive uses like video streaming and . Unlike its more comprehensive deployments in —where spectrum sharing and urban densification enabled advanced standalone networks—SmarTone did not introduce services in Macau, citing the smaller market size and regulatory constraints on allocation. The company maintained a low market share, estimated below 10% in recent years, with no significant presence in fixed services, prioritizing mobile-only offerings. Operations were regulated by the Direcção dos Serviços de Correios e Telecomunicações (DSRT), which oversaw licensing and spectrum management in a market characterized by limited available frequencies compared to Hong Kong's denser allocations. SmarTone's Macau license for 4G was renewed in 2022 alongside those of other operators, but the company faced ongoing challenges in scaling due to the territory's saturated market and emphasis on tourism rather than residential broadband. In August 2024, SmarTone announced its withdrawal from for business considerations, ceasing all mobile services at midnight on November 11, 2024. Under an agreement with CTM, existing customers were transitioned to the local operator for the remainder of their contracts, ensuring service continuity without major disruptions. This exit marked the end of over two decades of operations, leaving with three primary mobile providers and highlighting the difficulties of sustaining a niche player in a compact, competitive environment distinct from Hong Kong's larger, more diversified telecom landscape.

References

  1. https://www.smartoneholdings.com/jsp/site/about_us/english/index.jsp
  2. https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/0315.HK/profile/
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