China's Olympic delegation is enjoying the services of the first domestic telecom operator to launch a mobile virtual network outside the country, during the London Olympic Games.

China Telecom, the country's largest fixed-line operator, will provide the service for all delegation members.

The service, called CTExcelbiz, is using leased capacity on the Everything Everywhere network, a joint venture between of France Telecom SA and Deutsche Telekom AG.

"The special service for the Chinese delegation includes free calls within the group, local mobile Internet access, and preferential prices to call China," said Ou Yan, managing director of China Telecom Europe.

With round-the-clock Chinese and English language customer services, the mobile virtual network operator will also provide delegation members with local information on transport routes and tourism services and for getting other important information to members.

China Telecom Europe launched CTExcelbiz on May 23 as a tailored pay-as-you-go mobile service aimed at meeting the specific communication requirements of the UK's Chinese population, be they permanent residents, students or tourists.

The mobile operator will provide services directly to its own customers, but does not own the network or the infrastructure behind the services.

Ma Jilong, director of marketing at the Chinese Olympic Committee, said that using a local mobile service will reduce communication costs, and help the 621 delegation members enjoy easy data access and communication with their families.

"This is the first time that a China Olympic delegation can use a Chinese company's own mobile service overseas," Ma added.

China Telecom hopes the service can be replicated during other international sports events in the future, and that it will also build its business in the highly competitive UK market.

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