Licensing

Domestic Pay Television Programme Service Licence

Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited (HKBN) first made an application for a domestic pay television programme service licence in October 2005. In October 2006, HKBN wrote to the Authority formally withdrawing its licence application. HKBN's broadband TV service is available on the Internet, and is exempted from licensing under the Broadcasting Ordinance.

Licences of Non-Domestic, and Other Licensable Television Programme Services

Auspicious Colour Limited and Phoenix Satellite Television Company Limited were granted non-domestic television programme service licences by the Authority in September 2005 and May 2006 respectively. The Authority also renewed two other licensable television programme service licences for the provision of television programme service in hotel rooms in Hong Kong.

Sound Broadcasting Licence

Ocean Technology Limited (OTL) submitted an application for a sound broadcasting licence in September 2005. In accordance with section 13C of the Telecommunications Ordinance (Cap. 106), the Authority deliberated the application and made recommendations to the Chief Executive in Council. On 12 December 2006, the Chief Executive in Council decided to reject OTL's application after considering the Authority's recommendations and OTL's representations in response to the Authority's recommendations and the Administration's views. The factors which the Chief Executive in Council took into account before reaching the decision include the feasibility of the OTL's technical proposal on the use of radio frequency spectrum, and the management, financial and technical capability of OTL to establish and maintain a sound broadcasting service.