|
17 January 2003
The Telecommunications Authority
will create the Class Licence for the
Provision of Public Wireless Local
Area Network Services
The Telecommunications Authority (TA) issued today (17
January 2003) a statement announcing his decision to create the
Class Licence for the provision of Public Wireless Local Area
Network (LAN) Services.
Wireless LAN is becoming popular nowadays, providing
convenience to consumers in access to public telecommunications
networks without the encumbrance of a wire connected to a wall
socket. It enables users with portable equipment like notebook
computers and personal digital assistant devices within the coverage
areas of the LAN to gain access through wireless means to a public
telecommunications network for voice and data communications
such as surfing the Internet or sending/receiving electronic
mail.
"The creation of the Class Licence will provide
a streamlined licensing regime for operators to run public wireless
LAN services without the need for individual licence application
or approval. This will facilitate the business operation of public
wireless LAN services, and enhance Hong Kong's position as the
telecommunications hub in the region," a spokesperson of
the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) said.
Under the Class Licence, a person may use wireless
LAN equipment operating within the frequency bands of 2400 -
2483.5 MHz, 5150 - 5350 MHz and 5725 - 5850 MHz (which have been
widely designated for establishing wireless LAN) and meeting
certain technical specifications on emission power levels to
provide a public wireless LAN service. The public wireless LAN
service includes the provision of radio access to, and resale
of, other licensed telecommunications services to customers within
the coverage area of the radio device.
"We believe the industry will welcome the
opening of a new frequency band in 5150 - 5350 MHz for establishing
wireless LAN services. This will allow use of IEEE 802.11a type
of wireless LAN applications," the spokesperson elaborated.
Any person who intends to operate a public wireless
LAN service is only required to register with the TA before commencing
operation. No application and processing procedures will be involved,
unlike individual licences. No licence fee will be levied either.
Under the Class Licence, the licensee needs to
meet specified minimum technical conditions like avoidance of
interference. Same as the other public telecommunications services
providers, they are subject to the provisions of the Telecommunications
Ordinance such as the prohibition of anti-competitive behaviour
and misleading advertisement and conduct.
The Class Licence only applies to operators of
public wireless LAN services, but not end users for private use.
End users may use the same frequency bands without licensing
and are subject to the same technical conditions in establishing
their own private wireless LANs. The exemption for licensing
is provided for in the Telecommunications (Telecommunications
Apparatus) (Exemption from Licensing) Order which the Government
has gazetted today. Unlike the public service providers, private
users of wireless LAN are not subject to conditions aimed at
regulating the behaviour of service operators with a view to
protecting consumer interests.
"It is government's objective to facilitate
the development of new means of telecommunications services such
as the increasingly popular wireless LAN services. For operators
of public wireless LAN service, we aim to provide a business-friendly
environment and at the same time protect the interests of consumers
and business at large," the spokesperson of OFTA said.
"We expect to see wireless LAN flourishing
not only in shopping arcades or Internet cafes, but also wider
applications at home, at university campus and in corporate environment
including small and medium enterprises. Public wireless LAN services
will complement the wide area mobile services such as the 3G
services," the spokesperson concluded.
The Class Licence will become
effective at the same time as the exemption order which is subject
to the vetting of the Legislative Council. The effective date
will be separately announced by OFTA. The Class Licence is the
result of a consultation during 2 August - 15 September 2002
with 14 submissions received. Interested parties may download
a copy of the Legislative Council Brief on Telecommunications
(Telecommunications Apparatus) (Exemption from Licensing) Order
as well as the TA statement on the Class Licence and a copy of
the Class Licence from OFTA's website at www.ofta.gov.hk.
Office of the Telecommunications Authority
17 January 2003
|
