Tag: China Mobile Negotiations

  • China Mobile Achieves Milestone with Hollow-Core Fiber Test

    China Mobile Achieves Milestone with Hollow-Core Fiber Test

    China Mobile has made a notable advancement in optical network technology by successfully launching the first 800G hollow-core fiber transmission test network. This pioneering experiment, conducted in Shenzhen-Dongguan, Guangdong, highlights the capabilities of this cutting-edge technology.

    Collaborating with domestic manufacturers of optical fiber, cable, and equipment, the test aimed to assess the performance of anti-resonant hollow-core fiber under practical conditions. The evaluation included simulating various challenges such as pulling, squeezing, water vapor exposure, and outdoor welding.

    The results were remarkable on a 20-kilometer link. Key technical metrics, such as hollow-to-hollow core fiber welding loss (0.05 dB), hollow-to-solid core connection loss (less than 0.3 dB), and optical cable loss after laying (0.6 dB/km), achieved "world-class levels."

    Hollow-core fiber (HCF) leverages a unique air light-guiding mechanism, allowing light to travel through air instead of conventional glass. This innovative technology has the potential to surpass the limitations of solid-core fiber, providing substantial benefits for backbone and data center transmission.

    Extended Performance Verification

    China Mobile's experiment went beyond basic performance tests. Using a single-wavelength 800Gbps wide-spectrum optical transmission system, they successfully executed a 20km single-core fiber bidirectional 128Tb/s ultra-large capacity transmission test. This accomplishment indicates the feasibility of deploying anti-resonant hollow-core fiber in complex network settings.

    Another crucial aspect of the test was constructing the first hybrid optical cable comprising both anti-resonant hollow-core and solid-core fibers. This cable met essential mechanical property standards for stretching, flattening, bending, impact, and torsion.

    Overcoming Unexpected Challenges

    The experiment encountered an unexpected hurdle when Typhoon Malis hit Shenzhen and Dongguan during the laying phase. Despite these severe weather conditions, China Mobile, along with domestic industry partners, conducted the first-ever test of anti-resonant hollow-core fiber cable technology in a complex pipeline network environment. This led to the completion of a hollow-core optical cable for a typical financial dedicated line route within the Greater Bay Area, potentially reducing optical link transmission delay by 30%.

    Although the test results are encouraging, China Mobile recognizes the need for further improvements. Their future efforts will focus on reducing hollow-core fiber loss and refining fiber structure design to enable mass production. Additionally, they plan to adopt a collaborative R&D model for ultra-800G transmission systems and fiber design, accelerating the advancement of anti-resonant hollow-core fibers and their related optical communication systems.

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  • Apple TV+ Aims to Be Sole American Streaming Service in China

    Apple TV+ Aims to Be Sole American Streaming Service in China

    Apple is reportedly in discussions with China Mobile, the world's largest mobile network provider by subscriber count, to introduce its Apple TV+ video streaming service in China, according to a report by TheInformation on June 4th.

    Access to Over 200 Million Chinese Mobile Users

    While the current state of the negotiations is uncertain, a successful deal could provide Apple TV+ with access to an enormous audience of over 200 million Chinese mobile users. Should the negotiations succeed, Apple TV+ would become the only American streaming service available within China's borders.

    This potential development follows a period of limited activity for Apple's subscription services in China. Apple has not launched any new subscription or media services in the mainland since 2017. However, there are signs of renewed efforts, with reports suggesting that Apple is also looking into bringing services like Apple Arcade and Fitness+ to the Chinese market.

    Collaboration with Tencent

    The Information also notes a significant agreement Apple has secured with tech giant Tencent. This agreement permits Tencent to offer some of its popular applications on Vision Pro, Apple's forthcoming mixed reality headset, specifically tailored for the Chinese market. Apple CEO Tim Cook has previously confirmed that Vision Pro will be launched in China later this year.

    Navigating China’s Content Regulations

    The report also discusses Apple's attempts to navigate China's stringent content censorship laws. To ensure compliance and successful service launches, Apple is said to be seeking a local partner to help operate its subscription services, including Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade, within China.

    For reference, the high-end version of the latest Apple TV 4K (7th generation) featuring an A15 Bionic chip and 128GB of storage was priced at 1,161 yuan during China's significant shopping event, Double 11, last year. For comparison, the official US price is $149 (approximately 1,080 yuan at the time). Additionally, the monthly subscription fee for Apple TV+ is $9.99 (currently around 72 yuan), while the Apple One bundle costs $19.95 per month (about 145 yuan).

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