China Telecom and Hong Kong based fixed line operator HGC Global Communications (HGC) have signed an agreement to build a network interconnection system via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.
Once completed later this year, the HZM Bridge will be the longest cross-ocean bridge in the world, spanning 55km and directly connecting mainland China to Hong Kong and Macau.
The two operators plan to deploy a fiber connection along the HZM Bridge to meet anticipated growth in cross-border network traffic and demand for low-latency connectivity across the Greater Bay Area region.
China, Hong Kong and Macau are involved in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Bay Area initiative to enhance economic activity in the area and improve the level of co-operation within the region. The project aims to help put the telecoms infrastructure in place to support this increased activity.
“China Telecom is pleased to establish an interconnection with HGC at the HZM Bridge,” China Telecom managing director of global business Deng Xiaofeng said.
“With both parties’ diverse network connection routes and our history of close cooperation, the new fiber connection will provide customers of both parties with stable and reliable service, meeting the ever-increasing demand in the Greater Bay Area and neighboring countries and regions.”
China Telecom has established cross-border links with ten operators in Hong Kong and Macau across five ports since 1998, helping boost total traffic capacity in the region to 17Tbps.