China Mobile International (CMI) and Companhia de Telecomunicações de Macau, S.A.R.L. (CTM) announced a strategic cooperation framework on digital content delivery.
The framework agreement was signed by Dr Li Feng, Chairman & CEO of CMI, and Mr. Xin Yue Jiang, Chairman of CITIC Telecom International and Chairman, Board of Directors of CTM. Mr. Shen Weizhong, Director & Executive Vice President of CMI, Dr Lin Erwei, Director & Executive Vice President of CMI, Mr. Esmond Li, CFO of CITIC Telecom International and Director, Board of Directors of CTM, Mr. Vandy Poon, Executive Vice President of CITIC Telecom International and CEO of CTM , Mr. Wong Ching Wa, Vice President of CITIC Telecom International and Director, Board of Directors of CTM and other senior managements from the three companies witnessed the signing ceremony.
The new cooperation agreement creates a framework for CMI and CTM to accelerate the development of CTM’s internet TV business and tap into opportunities in Macau’s consumer and household broadband markets. It also furthers CMI’s commitment to working with partners in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA) to drive innovation and collaboration and expand the region’s digital infrastructure and bring more exciting and dynamic digital experiences into people’s lives.
According to CMI, intelligent digital transformation is sweeping the world. CMI is committed to providing diversified solutions that enable digital life, and to offering innovative services and solutions to global carrier partners and enterprises. The framework agreement signifies a new chapter for the partnership between CMI and CTM and it deepens collaboration of both parties by expanding their communications and digital content business and strengthening the partnership in all-round digital content services covering video, music and live-streaming. Building on this foundation, CMI will continue to expand its integrated, open and intelligent digital ecosystem for industry players, realizing the vision of providing high-quality digital content services with 4G as the foundation and 5G as the future, and continuing to promote the development of smart city clusters in the GBA.
CTM said, “The new collaboration between CMI and CTM and the synergies created through the ‘OTT Converged Content Platform’ build upon the strategic partnership between CMI and CTM’s major shareholder – CITIC Telecom International. Signifying the unveiling of the new chapter in Macau’s OTT content and platform service development, this all-in-one cross-platform content service will bring an unprecedented experience to the people of Macau. With the support of CITIC Telecom International, CTM envisages establishing a closer partnership with CMI to continuously facilitate mutual synergies and to extend to broader collaboration within the GBA in telecommunications, cloud computing, data centre and smart city applications, delivering stronger support to the social development in GBA.”
Leveraging its expertise in over-the-top (OTT) internet TV and comprehensive experience in content delivery infrastructure and operations, CMI has launched iShow. The new digital content service provides CTM with one-stop solutions spanning platform, content and terminal devices, and leverages CMI’s broad operational knowhow and ecosystem of third-party content sources. It is a new business model for CTM’s business growth and another step in CMI’s journey to build a new “communication + digital + content” business.
5G infrastructure is critical to the success of the GBA. Bringing 5G to the region, China Mobile has already deployed more than 60,000 base stations to cover the entire Guangdong Province, creating the largest 5G network in China. This network is further supported by the China Mobile H2H Express Submarine Cable, which was ready for service in September 2021, and CMI’s data centre deployments, which provide global network resources to enhance connectivity for the GBA.
As a locally rooted, comprehensive telecom operator in Macau, CTM has been upholding the pledge to promote the development of local telecom infrastructure and facilities, providing Macau residents with professional telecom service including mobile, fixed telephony, fibre internet, enterprise solutions, and more, as an essential force to support the social and economic development of Macau.
Aiming to facilitate IT development in Macau, CTM has remained committed to the vision of establishing a “Digital Macau”. With an extensive and long-term investment plan that aims to continuously refine its network infrastructure, including full “fiberization” and Wi-Fi coverage across Macau, CTM achieved the goal of full 5G outdoor and indoor coverage in first half year of 2021, devoted in leading Macau into the new 5G era.
In the future, CMI and CTM will join hands to explore further business opportunities in areas such as 5G cloud gaming, ultra-high-definition (UHD) video and virtual reality content, KOL live-streaming, and digital rights for cross-border customers. The shared goal is to deliver a more captivating and premium digital service for consumers, promoting the development and integration of communications and ICT industries in the GBA through innovation.