The TD-LTE Project Reinforces ZTE’s Leadership in TDD (Time-Division Duplex)

10 October 2011, Shenzhen, China – ZTE Corporation (“ZTE”) (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions and Wireless City Planning (WCP) today announced they have entered into a strategic partnership to use AXGP -- a technology similar to TD-LTE -- to build a next-generation mobile network in Japan. WCP is a SOFTBANK Corp. (“SoftBank”)’s Group Company, one of the major mobile operators in Japan.

ZTE was chosen by WCP as its primary strategic partner for AXGP. Once complete, the planned network will reach 99 per cent of Japan ordinance-designated city populations.

The two companies also will explore the possibility of creating a joint lab to develop emerging technologies, drive development of next generation technologies including AXGP,and grow the global reach of AXGP.

With its SDR platform, ZTE provides stronger base-band processing capability when compared to other equipment providers. This allowsthe company to provide exclusive joint cell processing technology and interference-eliminating technology.

“We have chosen ZTE, the world’s leading telecommunications equipment provider, as our partner to build the world’s largest TDD network. We hope that ZTE can maintain its leading innovation capability in mobile communications technologies to help us build the best next generation mobile data network in Japan and even the world.” said WCP Director and Chief Operating Officer Junichi Miyakawa.

ZTE Executive Vice President Xie Daxiong said: “SoftBank is a top global operator. Our partnership with them is recognition of our leading technologies, outstanding customization and service capabilities, and our delivery capability in TD-LTE. By meeting SoftBank’srequirements,we’ll be able to increase our competitiveness among major global operators.”

The collaboration with SoftBankis a key strategic move by ZTE and demonstratesthe company’s leadership position in the LTE market, especially in TD-LTE. 

In addition to the SoftBank deal, ZTE has teamed up with China Mobile, Hutchison Whampoa and KPN to developTDD technologies across the globe. In 2011, Hutchison Whampoa chose ZTE to deploy an integrated LTE TDD/FDD commercial network in Sweden, the largest in the world prior to the Japan deal. That agreement was ZTE’s first major overseas breakthrough in TD-LTE.