How to Deal with Network Congestion

Hong Kong's advanced telecommunications infrastructure is adequately designed to meet a world city's communication demands. Its capacity could easily accommodate our communication needs during normal peak hours. However, the telecommunications networks may become congested if everyone uses the telephone at the same time. Stay patient and wait, just like queuing up for the lift when everybody in a building wants to use it at the same time.

In case of severe weather conditions or when Typhoon Signal No. 8 or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal has been issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, networks are particularly vulnerable to congestion when the public attempt to call relatives, friends or schools at the same time. Please be patient if the line fails to connect. Avoid rapid redialing. Wait for 2 or 3 minutes before trying again. Otherwise, the network will bear a heavier burden. Please pay attention to TV or radio broadcasts, or visit relevant web sites to check on any special arrangements by government departments and institutions under the typhoon /rainstorm.

All of us in Hong Kong enjoy diversified and efficient telecommunications services. Apart from the mobile phone, you may consider using emails or short messages for daily communication with family members and friends. Similarly, business organisations, institutions and schools may consider making use of short messages and emails to disseminate messages to their members.