Press Release

OFTA Publishes Spectrum Release Plan to Increase Transparency in Radio Spectrum Supply

The Telecommunications Authority ("the TA") published today (26 April 2007) its first Spectrum Release Plan on the radio spectrum that may be made available to the market for the next three years through an open bidding or tendering process.

"In view of the dynamic market and rapid technological developments, the Government promulgated the Spectrum Policy Framework on 24 April 2007 after a comprehensive radio spectrum policy review. Under the Framework, the Government will employ as far as possible market-based approach in radio spectrum management," the spokesperson of the Office of the Telecommunications Authority ("OFTA") said.

"As part of the implementation of the Framework, the TA now publishes the Spectrum Release Plan in order to inform the industry of the potential supply of radio spectrum through an open bidding or tendering process for the coming three years. The publication of the Plan is also for increasing the transparency of the supply of radio spectrum. In addition, to cater for any latest technology and market developments, the Plan will be updated annually or as necessary," continued the spokesperson.

A copy of the Plan can be downloaded from OFTA's website .

Background

The legislative framework for radio spectrum management is set out in the Telecommunications Ordinance ("the Ordinance") and associated regulations. Under Section 32G of the Ordinance, the TA is required to promote the efficient allocation and use of the radio spectrum as a public resource of Hong Kong. To discharge the concerned responsibilities, the Ordinance has given a wide range of powers in relation to radio spectrum management to the TA.

In preparing for the Spectrum Release Plan, the TA has taken into account all relevant considerations, including the government radio spectrum policy objectives, the availability of radio spectrum for assignment primarily for non-government use, international radio spectrum allocation guidance, regional spectrum allocation decisions, technology and equipment availability, proposals from the industry in the past years and the previous discussions at the Radio Spectrum Advisory Committee meetings.

The Spectrum Release Plan is for the advance information of the industry only. It is not binding on the TA. It does not constitute any allocation or assignment of spectrum under the Ordinance. The TA will conduct separate consultation exercises before releasing individual bands or blocks under the Plan to the market. The spectrum release plan will be updated annually on a rolling basis or as necessary taking into account the latest developments.

Office of the Telecommunications Authority
26 April 2007