Alibaba-backed bicycle-sharing company Hello Chuxing today announced the implementation of a 4G Cat.1 communications network for its two-wheeled ride-sharing service, powered by China Unicom, UNISOC and Fibocom Wireless.
Cat.1 is a standard for user device categories in 4G communications LTE networks and is the most suitable communication technology for two-wheeled ride-sharing due to its high bandwidth, low latency, low cost, and low power consumption.
Hello Chuxing's Vice President Ren Liangliang said, "The migration of bicycle sharing and public assistance vehicles to the 4G Cat.1 network will greatly enhance the user experience as well as enrich user scenarios."
The first 1,500 Hello bicycles equipped with 4G Cat.1bis modules were put into use in July this year, and Hello bicycles with 4G Cat.1bis modules will also be activated this year.
With 4G Cat.1bis, users will see a significant improvement in their locking and unlocking experience, as they can cut their opening and closing times by more than 30% on average.
Thanks to the increased network speed, Hello Bikes will offer users a wide range of services, such as LBS-based dynamic weather alerts and push advertising in shopping areas.
The technology has been piloted in some cities and will be launched on a large scale soon.