China Mobile and CBN add to 700MHz 5G network deal

China Mobile, China’s largest mobile provider by subscribers, and industry newcomer China Broadcasting Network Corporation (CBN) have signed a supplemental agreement to their existing partnership on 5G network co-construction, sharing and collaboration.

Under the terms of the new tie-up the pair will co-construct and share a 700MHz wireless network based on the spectrum awarded to CBN. China Mobile will bear all of the construction costs and shall initially own the network assets underlying the network, but both parties will have the right to use the network.

Further, under certain conditions CBN may purchase 50% of the 700MHz equipment and assets – such as base stations and antennas – from China Mobile, as stipulated by the existing agreements, and as the assessed fair market value at the time. Finally, neither party may dispose of its ownership of any of the 700MHz network assets covered by the deal without the consent of the other party. CommsUpdate