Press Releases of February 2003
	Class Licence for Public Wireless Local Area Network Services and Telecommunications (Telecommunications Apparatus) (Exemption from Licensing) Order Commence Operation
	OFTA holds Super Quiz at HK Information Infrastructure Expo 2003

The Telecommunications Authority (TA) today (20 February 2003) announced that the Class Licence for Public Wireless Local Area Network (LAN) Services and the Telecommunications (Telecommunications Apparatus) (Exemption from Licensing) Order would commence operation with effect from tomorrow (21 February 2003) .

On 17 January 2003, the TA decided to create a Class Licence for Public Wireless LAN Services. Any person who is interested in providing such services to the public may operate their business without the need for individual licence application or approval. They are only required to register with the TA before commencing business. No registration or licence fee is payable.

In addition to the popular IEEE 802.11b standard operating in the 2.4 GHz band, the operators will be allowed to use wireless LAN equipment operating within the frequency bands of 5150 - 5350 MHz and 5725 - 5850 MHz. As a result, Hong Kong is amongst the first group of economies in the world to open the frequency bands for IEEE 802.11a type of wireless LAN applications.

"The Class Licence will provide a streamlined and updated licensing regime for operators to run the increasingly popular wireless LAN services. This will facilitate the business operation of public wireless services, and enhance Hong Kong's position as the telecommunications hub in the region," a spokesman of the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) said.

The TA would also commence at the same time operation of the Telecommunications (Telecommunications Apparatus) (Exemption from Licensing) Order. The Order, which updates and relaxes the regulatory regime on telecommunications apparatus, was made by the Chief Executive in Council on 14 January 2003 and passed by the Legislative Council on 19 February 2003. Under the Order, private use, and sale, of telecommunications apparatus meeting the respective conditions given in the Order are exempted from licensing. Import and export of these telecommunications apparatus for personal use are also exempted from licensing.

This exemption order has included a number of new frequency bands making available to the consumers on an unlicensed basis a range of new products such as short-range walkie-talkies and new types of cordless telephones.

The telecommunications apparatus covered by the exemption order is mostly wireline equipment (such as telephones and fax terminals) and radiocommunications equipment (such as mobile phones and cordless phones) acquired by customers for connection to the public telecommunications networks, and other general low power radio devices (such as remote controls and wireless microphones). Equipment suppliers may apply for certification of the exempted equipment on a voluntary basis and are authorized to affix a prescribed label to their certified telecommunications apparatus to help the public identify the apparatus which is in compliance with the relevant technical specifications.

"Following the introduction of the above exemption order, from 21 February 2003 onwards, the existing prescribed labels on telecommunications apparatus will be gradually replaced by a new unified label. Suppliers may affix the new label to their certified equipment on a voluntary basis," the spokesman explained.

The new unified label is indicated below:

"The new label certifies the wireline or radiocommunications apparatus meet the technical requirements. It is advisable for consumers to choose a piece of telecommunications apparatus affixed with the said label," the spokesman reiterated.

Interested parties may also download a copy of the guidelines to operate wireless LAN services, which will be available from tomorrow, from OFTA's website: www.ofta.gov.hk. A copy of the related TA statement dated 17 January 2003 with text of the Class Licence and the Legislative Council brief of the Order are already available at OFTA's website for public information.

Office of the Telecommunications Authority
20 February 2003

Today, telecom services have become an essential part of our daily lives. Through innovative technologies and services, we are able to enrich our living and enjoy greater efficiency whether at home, at work or on the move.

As a tele-consumer, how smart are you? Are you rich in telecom knowledge? Are you making intelligent choices?

Come and visit the "The Smart Consumer's Corner", the booth of the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) at the Hong Kong Information Infrastructure Expo 2003 to be held from tomorrow (19 February 2003) to 22 February for four days. The theme of the booth is: "Be a Smart Tele-consumer!". Through interesting quiz games, e-games, exhibits and various onstage activities, a unique experience shall be given to the tele-consumers in gaining more knowledge and smart tips on telecom services. They shall also be provided with information, tested on general knowledge, and helped to make informed choices - to "Be a Smart Tele-Consumer".

Venue:
OFTA Booth (B6, Hall One)
Telecom, 3G & Wireless Applications Zone
Information Infrastructure Expo 2003
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

Come take the Challenge!
"Super Quiz 300" - A Test for the Smart Tele-Consumer

Held onsite during the Hong Kong Information Infrastructure Expo 2003, Super Quiz 300 is a testing ground for smart users of telecom services. Participants are to answer as many quiz questions as possible within the time limit. The more correct answers you get, the bigger the chance you will have to win these great prizes:

Get prepared. Sample quiz questions are available now!

OFTA shall help the consumers to get prepared for the challenge. Sample questions for "Super Quiz 300" are now available at the OFTA web site. Simply click the following link to view them.

http://www.ofta.gov.hk/frameset/home_index_eng.html

Office of the Telecommunications Authority
18 February 2003

For enquiries, media representatives are welcome to contact Ms Connie Lee (Tel: 2961 6750) or Ms Jessica Choy (Tel: 2961 6221).