| Date | Context | Summary of development | Action
|
|---|
| 7/95
| -
| Competition in the local fixed telecommunications network services (FTNS) market was introduced on 1 July 1995 when the following three companies were licensed as FTNS operators in addition to the former monopoly operator, Hong Kong Telecommunications Limited (HKT) -
| Hutchison Telecom (Hong Kong) Ltd
|
| New T&T Hong Kong Limited
|
| New World Telephone Limited
|
|
|
| 20.1.98
| PRESS
| On 20.1.98, the Government signed an Agreement with HKT for the early surrender of the licence of Hong Kong Telecom International Limited (HKTI), which was a subsidiary of HKT. It also released a Policy Statement on the liberalization of Hong Kong's external telecommunications market. [Press release]
|
|
| 9.2.98
| ES,IP
| The Panels discussed with the Administration on the resolution of the licence of HKTI. HKTI licence with exclusive rights for certain external circuits and telephone services would be surrendered on 31.3.98, 8.5 years earlier than its scheduled end-date of 1.10.06. [Minutes]
|
|
| 27.2.98
| FC
| FC approved a commitment of $6.7 billion for payment of cash compensation to HKTI for the early surrender of the exclusive telecommunications licence. [Paper]
|
|
| 28.7.98
| ITB
| The Panel discussed with the Administration on the progress of the "1998 Review of the Fixed Telecommunications". [Paper]
|
|
| 3.9.98
| ITB
| The Panel discussed with the Secretary for Information Technology and Broadcasting on the consultation paper entitled "The 1998 Review of Fixed Telecommunications: A Considered View", which set out the Administration's policy proposals as regards the extent of the liberalization of the local FTNS market and the external telecommunications market, the interconnection of networks and access to buildings and premises for cable laying, and related regulatory issues. [Minutes]
|
|
| 25.9.98
| ITB
| The Panel continued discussion with Administration on the consultation paper entitled "The 1998 Review of Fixed Telecommunications: A Considered View", and met with deputations. [Minutes]
|
|
| 30.9.98
| CM
| The Council passed a motion moved by Hon Fred LI as amended by Hon MA Fung-kwok on liberalization of the telecommunications and television markets. [Hansard]
|
|
| 9.11.98
| ITB
| The Panel discussed with the Administration on the submissions received in response to "The 1998 Review of Fixed Telecommunications: A Considered View". [Paper]
|
|
| 5.5.99
| ITB
| The Panel discussed with the Administration on the policy decisions on -
| the extension of the moratorium on the issue of further local FTNS licences to 31.12.02 for the construction of new fixed wireline-based networks subject to satisfactory commitments from the three new FTNS licensees on further network roll-out during the moratorium; and
|
| the progressive liberalization of the external facilities-based telecommunications market.
|
[LegCo Brief]
[Minutes]
|
|
| 10.5.99
| ITB
| The Panel continued the discussion with the Administration on the extension of the moratorium on the issue of further local FTNS licences to 31.12.02 and the progressive liberalization of the external facilities-based telecommunications market. [Minutes]
|
|
| 12.7.99
| ITB
| The Panel continued the discussion with the Administration on the moratorium on the issue of further FTNS licences. [Minutes]
|
|
| 13.9.99
| ITB
| The Panel discussed with the Administration on the progress report on the moratorium on the issue of further local wireline FTNS licences subject to further network roll-out commitments by the three existing new FTNS licensees. The Administration's policy was to extend the moratorium to 31.12.02 and telecommunication services market would be liberalized thereafter. [Minutes]
|
|
| 21.3.00
| PRESS
| The Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) issued an industry consultation paper on the licensing framework for third generation (3G) mobile services. [Press release]
|
|
| 10.4.00
| ITB
| The Panel discussed the Administration's paper which summarized the key issues covered in the industry consultation paper on licensing framework for 3G mobile services. [Paper]
|
|
| 26.6.00
| CQ
| Hon TSANG Yok-sing raised an oral question on the licensing approach for the allocation of 3G mobile phone services. [Hansard "page 7"]
|
|
| 3.10.00
| PRESS
| OFTA issued the second consultation paper on the licensing framework for 3G mobile phone services entitled "Licensing Framework for Third Generation Mobile Services: Analysis of Comments Received, Preliminary Conclusions and Further Industry Consultation". [Press release]
|
|
| 13.11.00
| ITB
| The Administration briefed members on the key proposals in the second consultation paper on the licensing framework for 3G mobile phone services. [Paper]
The Panel also met the deputations to receive their views on the licensing framework for 3G mobile phone services.
|
|
| 17.11.00
| ITB
| The Panel discussed the Administration's paper on the proposal to engage consultants to assist and advise the Government for licensing the 3G mobile phone services. The Administration planned to seek funding approval from the Finance Committee (FC) in December 2000. [Paper]
|
|
| 15.12.00
| FC
| FC approved the creation of a new commitment of $55 million for engaging consultants to assist and advise the Government on the licensing of the 3G mobile phone services. [Paper]
|
|
| 8.1.01
| ITB
| The Panel discussed with the Administration on the progress made and problems encountered in interconnection since liberalization of the FTNS market in 1995. Three FTNS operators made written submissions to the Panel. [Paper]
|
|
| 12.2.01
| ITB
| The Panel discussed with the Administration on its responses to the written submissions made by the new FTNS operators at the meeting of the Panel on 8.1.01. [Paper]
The Panel also noted the coverage of the networks and services of the three new wireline-based local FTNS operators up to the end of 2002. [Paper]
|
|
| 13.2.01
| PRESS
| OFTA announced the licensing framework for 3G mobile phone services together with the key aspects of the regulatory framework. [Press release]
|
|
| 16.2.01
| HC
| HC agreed to form a Bills Committee to scrutinize the Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill 2001. The Bill sought to add enabling provisions in the Ordinance for the Telecommunications Authority to conduct the 3G licensing exercise.
|
|
| 22.2.01
| ITB
| The Panel considered the following papers provided by the Administration -
| LegCo Brief on licensing framework for third generation mobile services [LegCo Brief]
|
| Paper entitled "Licensing Framework for Third Generation Mobile Services" which sought to address the key concerns of the industry on the licensing framework and how these concerns were addressed. [Paper]
|
|
|
| -
| BC
| The Bills Committee on Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill 2001 held six meetings [Meeting schedules] and reported its deliberations to HC on 4.5.01. [Report]
|
|
| 4.5.01
| HC
| Reporting to HC, the Chairman of the Bills Committee on the Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill 2001said that the industry had expressed views on the level of spectrum utilization fees and the method for determining such fees which would be provided for in the subsidiary legislation. HC therefore agreed to form a subcommittee to discuss the following draft subsidiary legislations and the proposed auction design and process. It had also met with the industry.
| Telecommunications (Method of Determining Spectrum Utilization Fees) (Third Generation Mobile Services) Regulation
|
| Telecommunications (Designation of Frequency Bands Subject to Payment of Spectrum Utilization Fees) Order.
| |
|
|
| 16.5.01
| CQ
| Hon LAU Kong-wah raised a question on matters relating to installation of telecommunication lines and equipment in communal areas on private land. [Hansard "page 33"]
|
|
| 16.5.01
| CM
| Resumption of the Second Reading debate on Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill 2001 [Hansard "Page 84"] and passage of the Bill. [Hansard "Page 102"]
|
|
| 6.6.01
| CQ
| Hon CHAN Kam-lam raised a question on the progress of rolling out of wireline-based local fixed telecommunications networks. [Hansard "page 38"]
|
|
| -
| SUBC
| The Subcommittee on Telecommunications (Method of Determining Spectrum Utilization Fees) (Third Generation Mobile Services) Regulation and Telecommunications (Designation of Frequency Bands Subject to Payment of Spectrum Utilization Fees) Order (SUBC) held five meetings [Meeting schedules] and reported its deliberations to HC on 22.6.01. [Report]
|
|
| 4.7.01
| CM
| Motion moved by the Secretary for Information Technology and Broadcasting to amend the Telecommunications (Method for Determining Spectrum Utilization Fees) (Third Generation Mobile Services) Regulation was passed by the Council. [Hansard "page 147"]
|
|
| 18.7.01
| PRESS
| OFTA issued the "Hong Kong Third Generation Mobile Services Licensing - Information Memorandum", inviting applications for Hong Kong's 3G mobile services licences. The Information Memorandum set out the reserve prices for the 3G auction, the auction rules and various other elements of the licensing framework. [Press release]
|
|
| 27.7.01
| ITB
| The Administration briefed members on the salient points in the Information Memorandum. Members of SUBC had been invited to join the discussion on this item. [Paper on Hong Kong third generation mobile services licensing - information memorandum] (no soft copy)
|
|
| 19.9.01
| PRESS
| OFTA announced that after the completion of the pre-qualification process of the 3G mobile services auction in Hong Kong, four applications for 3G licences were received. The four provisional bidders were:
| Hong Kong CSL Limited
|
| Hutchison 3G HK Limited
| | | SmarTone 3G Limited
| |
| SUNDAY 3G (Hong Kong) Limited
| |
It was expected that the three-phase auction would be completed by September or October 01. [Press release]
|
|
| 26.9.01
| PRESS
| OFTA announced the results of third phase auction for 3G mobile services licensing. The 4 provisional bidders announced on 19.9.01 were successful in their bids for 3G mobile services licence.
[Press release]
|
|
| 16.10.01
| PRESS
| The Office of the Telecommunications Authority published a consultation paper - "Implementation of the Full Liberalization of the Local Fixed Telecommunications Network Services Market from 1 January 2003" - to invite comments on the implementation issues of the licensing of additional local fixed wireline-based networks for operation from 1.1.03. [Press release]
|
|
| 12.11.01
| ITB
| The Panel discussed with the Administration on the consultation paper entitled "Implementation of the Full Liberalization of the Local Fixed Telecommunications Network Services Market from 1 January 2003", and met with deputations. [Paper] [Background brief prepared by the Secretariat]
|
|
| 10.12.01
| ITB
| The Panel discussed with the Administration on the progress of interconnection issues and the updated coverage of the network and services of the three new wireline-based local FTNS operators.
[Paper][Background brief prepared by the Secretariat]
|
|
| 16.1.02
| CQ
| Hon Howard YOUNG raised a question on the full liberalization of local FTNS market. [Hansard "page 69"]
|
|
| 3.02
| AUD
| The Director of Audit conducted a value-for-money audit on Liberalization of the local fixed telecommunications market. [Report]
|
|
| 10.6.02
| ITB
| The Panel discussed with the Administration on the latest state of play in the regulatory framework for interconnection of telecommunications networks and services in Hong Kong. [Paper]
|
|
| 7.02
| PAC
| PAC considered in detail report of the Director of Audit on liberalization of the local fixed telecommunications market. [Report "page 52"]
|
|
| 11.10.02
| PRESS
| OFTA announced the arrangement to waive the submission of performance bonds due in October 02 from the four licensees for the 3G mobile services. The bonds were in respect of the sixth licence year. [Press release]
|
|
| 23.5.03
| PRESS
| The Administration issued a consultation paper to consult the community on the review of the policy and regulatory regime for Type II interconnection in telecommunications market. [Press release]
|
|
| 9.6.03
| ITB
| The Panel discussed with the Administration on the consultation on the review of the policy and regulation of Type II interconnection. [Paper] [Paper] (English version only) [Background brief prepared by the Secretariat]
|
|
| 16.12.03
| PRESS
| The Administration issued the second consultation paper on the Type II interconnection policy for local FTNS market and proposed to change the Type II interconnection arrangement in the light of current market conditions. [Press release]
|
|
| 25.2.04
| ITB
| The Panel discussed with the Administration on the second consultation paper on the review of the regulatory policy for Type II interconnection, and met with deputations.
[Executive summary of the consultation paper] [Submissions on the consultation paper] [Background brief prepared by the Secretariat]
|
|
| 12.7.04
| ITB
| The Panel discussed with the Administration on its decision to withdraw mandatory Type II interconnection for FTNS market. The withdrawal would be fully implemented across the territory by 30.6.08. [LegCo Brief] [Background brief prepared by the Secretariat]
|
|
| 21.4.05
| ITB
| Industry consultation paper on availability and provisioning of blockwiring for Type II interconnection [Consultation Paper] (English version only)
|
|
| 18.10.06
| CQ
| Hon SIN Chung-kai raised a question on promoting fair competition among content providers. [Hansard "page 86"]
|
|
| 1.11.06
| CQ
| Hon SIN Chung-kai raised a question on the review of local access charge. [Hansard "page 73"]
|
|
| 29.11.06
| CQ
| Dr Hon Fernando CHEUNG Chiu-hung raised a question on the charging mode for fixed telephone services. [Hansard "page 19"]
Hon Jasper TSANG Yok-sing raised a question on regulation of television programme contents broadcast on mobile phones. [Hansard "page 71"]
|
|
| 28.3.07
| CQ
| Hon Jasper TSANG Yok-sing raised a question on the coverage of government venues by mobile phone service networks. [Hansard "page 25"]
|
|
| 10.12.07
| ITB
| The Administration briefed the Panel on provision of radio frequency spectrum for the introduction of broadband wireless access. [Paper] [Follow-up paper] [Follow-up paper]
|
|
| 10.12.07
| ITB
| The Administration briefed the Panel on public consultation on creation of class licences for radio frequency identification tag, medical implant communication system device and taxi mobile stations. [Paper] [Consultation paper on creation of a class licence for radio frequency identification tag] [Consultation paper on creation of a class licence for medical implant communication system device]
|
|
| 14.1.08
| ITB
| The Administration briefed the Panel on public consultations on the creation of a Unified Carrier Licence. [Paper] [Consultation paper issued on 21 December 2007 by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development] [Consultation paper issued on 21 December 2007 by the Telecommunications Authority] (English version only) [Follow-up paper]
|
|
| 29.1.08
| ITB
| The Administration briefed the Panel on consultation on the implementation framework of mobile television services and development of digital audio broadcasting in Hong Kong. [Paper] [Consultation paper]
|
|
| 27.2.08
| CQ
| Hon CHOY So-yuk raised a question on management of telephone numbers. [Hansard "page 30"]
|
|
| 5.3.08
| CQ
| Hon James TO Kun-sun raised a question on new measures to safeguard rights and interests of consumers. [Hansard "page 102"]
|
|
| 13.5.08
| ITB
| The Administration briefed the Panel on outcome of the public consultations on the proposed creation of a Unified Carrier Licence. [Paper]
|
|
| 5/08 to 6/08
| SUBC
| The Administration introduced the following subsidiary legislation into the LegCo on 21.5.08:
| (a) | Telecommunications (Carrier Licences) (Amendment) Regulation 2008; and
|
| (b) | Telecommunications (Level of Spectrum Utilization Fees) (Second Generation Mobile Services) (Amendment) Regulation 2008.
|
A subcommittee was formed on 23.5.08 to scrutinize the two regulations.
The Subcommittee held three meetings. [Subcommittee on Subsidiary Legislation to Introduce a Unified Carrier Licence under the Telecommunications Ordinance]
The Subcommittee reported its deliberations to the House Committee on 27.6.08. [Report]
|
|
| 10.6.08
| ITB
| The Administration briefed the Panel on coverage and availability of domestic free and/or pay television programme service. [Paper]
|
|
| 2.7.08
| CQ
| Hon SIN Chung-kai raised a question on increase of Fixed-Mobile Interconnection Charge. [Hansard "page 134"]
|
|
| 2.7.08
| CQ
| Hon SIN Chung-kai raised a question on deregulation of Fixed-Mobile Interconnection Charge arrangement. [Hansard "page 149"]
|
|
| 8.12.08
| ITB
| The Administration briefed the Panel on the assignment of the available radio spectrum in the 1800 MHz Band and the related legislative amendments required for the auction of the relevant radio spectrum. [Paper]
|
|
| 12.1.09
| ITB
| The Administration briefed the Panel on mobile TV policy framework and auctioning of mobile TV-related spectrum. [Paper] [Background brief]
|
|
| 14.1.09
| CQ
| Hon Starry LEE Wai-king raised a question on unauthorized building works of mobile telephone base stations. [Hansard "page 98"]
|
|
| 2/09 to 3/09
| ITB
| The Administration introduced the following subsidiary legislation into the LegCo on 11.2.09:
| (a) | Telecommunications (Designation of Frequency Bands subject to Payment of Spectrum Utilization Fee) (Amendment) Order 2009;
|
| (b) | Telecommunications (Level of Spectrum Utilization Fees) (Second Generation Mobile Services) (Amendment) Regulation 2009; and
|
| (c) | Telecommunications (Determining Spectrum Utilization Fees by Auction) (Amendment) Regulation 2009.
|
A subcommittee was formed on 13.2.09 to scrutinize the three pieces of subsidiary legislation.
The Subcommittee held two meetings. [Subcommittee on Subsidiary Legislation to Enable the Release of Spectrum for Expansion of the Second Generation Mobile Service and Mobile TV Services]
The Subcommittee reported its deliberations to the House Committee on 20.3.09. [Report]
|
|
| 3.6.09
| CQ
| Hon TAM Yiu-chung raised a question on mobile phone signal reception at tourist attractions on Lantau Island. [Hansard "page 67"]
|
|
| 8.6.09
| ITB
| The Administration briefed the Panel on review of the Public Non-Exclusive Telecommunications Services and Services-Based Operator licensing regimes. [Paper]
|
|
| 8.6.09
| ITB
| The Administration briefed the Panel on progress on implementation of initiatives related to fixed-mobile convergence. [Paper] [Background brief]
|
|
| 11.11.09
| CQ
| Hon Albert CHAN Wai-yip raised a question on regulation of charges by telecommunications service providers. [Hansard "page 147"]
|
|
| 11.1.10
| ITB
| The Administration briefed the Panel on the consultation exercise launched by OFTA on 20 November 2009 in respect of the assignment of the available frequency spectrum in the 850 MHz band, 900 MHz band and 2 GHz band. The consultation period ended on 20 January 2010.
[Paper]
[Consultation paper] (English version only)
[Press release]
[Follow-up paper]
|
|
| 11.1.10
| ITB
| In the light of public concern about billing disputes in connection with chargeable content services provided through Short Messaging Services, the Administration briefed the Panel on the issue and the action taken by OFTA to address it.
[Paper]
[Comments from the Consumer Council on the Code for the Provision of Chargeable Mobile Content Services] (English version only)
[Follow-up paper] (English version only)
|
|
| 5.5.10
| CQ
| Ir Dr Hon Raymond HO Chung-tai raised a question on works (installation of fixed telecommunications network services equipment) carried out on pedestrian walkways. [Hansard "page 56"]
|
|
| 14.6.10
| ITB
| The Administration briefed the Panel on the outcome of the public consultation conducted by the Telecommunications Authority on the review of the local access charge in Hong Kong and the way forward. [Paper] [Consultation paper] (English version only)
|
|
| 14.10.10
| ITB
| The Research Division of Legislative Council Secretariat provided an information note on the preventive measures of mobile bill shock implemented in the European Union, including the current situation of mobile bill shock and preventive measures recently imposed in Hong Kong. [Information note]
|
|
| 8.11.10
| ITB
| The Administration updated the Panel on the operation of the industry self-regulatory scheme, and the assessment of its effectiveness in dealing with billing disputes about chargeable mobile content services provided through short messaging services and multimedia messaging services. [Paper] [Background brief]
|
|
| 9.12.10
| PRESS
| OFTA issued a press release on consumer advice on the use of mobile data services. [Press release]
|
|
| 21.12.10
| PRESS
| OFTA and the Communications Association of Hong Kong issued press releases on Industry Code of Practice for Telecommunications Service Contracts. [Press releases]
|
|
| 8.12.10
| CQ
| Hon Albert CHAN Wai-yip raised a question on regulation of charges by telecommunications service providers. [Hansard "page 118"]
|
|
| 12.7.11
| PRESS
| OFTA issued a press release on enhanced protection for consumers through the implementation of Industry Code of Practice for Telecommunications Service Contracts. [Press release]
|
|
| 13.7.11
| CQ
| Dr Hon Samson TAM Wai-ho raised a question on Code of Practice for mobile phone contracts to protect consumers. [Hansard "page 144"]
|
|
| 9.11.11
| PRESS
| OFTA issued a press release on Fair Usage Policy Guidelines to facilitate informed consumer choices of broadband services. [Press release]
|
|
| 9.1.12
| ITB
| The Administration briefed the Panel on the following issues:
| (a) | "Guidelines for the Implementation of Fair Usage Policy for the Provision of Mobile and Fixed Broadband Services" issued by OFTA on 9 November 2011. [Paper]
|
| (b) | the consultation exercise launched by OFTA on 29 December 2011 concerning the assignment of the available radio spectrum in the 2.5/2.6 GHz band. The consultation period would end in two months' time, on 29 February 2012. [Paper]
|
|
|
| 13.2.12
| ITB
| The Administration briefed the Panel on the proposed amendments to the Telecommunications (Control of Interference) Regulations (Cap. 106B). [Paper]
|
|
| 12.3.12
| ITB
| The Administration briefed the Panel on the consultancy study in relation to the implications of Next Generation Network on the regulation of telecommunications services in Hong Kong. [Paper]
|
|
| 21.3.12
| CQ
| Hon LEUNG Yiu-chung raised a question on complaints relating to mobile phone data plan. [Hansard "page 44"]
|
|
| 25.4.12
| CQ
| Hon Paul TSE Wai-chun raised a question on mobile network failure. [Hansard "page 111"]
|
|
