SmarTone introduces 5G buses with KMB in Hong Kong

As one of Hong Kong's 5G operators, SmarTone has strengthened its service offerings as it has co-launched the first batch of 5G Buses with KMB. 

A total of 20 buses are equipped with free 5G Wi-Fi services. Serving 10 urban and rural routes, these buses allow passengers to use 5G Wi-Fi services for free. Every session lasts 30 minutes but passengers can enjoy unlimited log-in sessions a day. These 5G buses mainly serve routes travelling in busy areas in the city, such as Routes 1, 87D and 603. SmarTone explained that such arrangement was aimed at allowing passengers to experience a stable internet network, even if they were at high network traffic districts. 

As SmarTone's 5G network is now covering popular hiking trails and country parks, KMB also deploys 5G buses on “R” Routes, namely 92R, 96R, 264R, 289R, to serve outdoor hotspots during holidays. 5G service will be available on Routes P960 and P968, the new luxury long-haul bus services, later.

"Our cooperation can bring a better passenger experience to Hong Kong citizens and enhance the operational efficiency of KMB. SmarTone will continue to apply the 5G technology in smart mobility, and spare no effort in promoting the smart city development of Hong Kong," said Josephine Lam, head of marketing and sales of SmarTone.

KMB said 5G stickers are displayed at the front of each 5G Bus so passengers can tell they are boarding a 5G bus. 

“We are aware that passengers frequently use their electronic devices, such as mobile phones, when they are riding on buses. Through the cooperation with SmarTone, we hope that KMB can cater to passengers’ needs by providing them with stable and ultra-fast Wi-Fi services. KMB is also actively exploring the feasibility of 5G application on bus services," commented Joseph Leung, financial controller of KMB.

Meanwhile, KMB has set up the KMB Smart Transportation Exhibition in the SmarTone 5G LAB at sky100. Through 5G high-speed data transmission, coupled with video analytics, AI, IoT and big data analysis, the exhibition illustrates the application of 5G on KMB’s operations to enhance bus services
and driving safety in the future.

In the exhibition, visitors can learn the current status of occupancy of the next bus accurately and immediately from KMB's app, while they can also know how many people are queuing up at bus stations. Also, the exhibition showcases real-time traffic monitoring and road condition analysis in bus terminuses. 

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