Managing the Radio Spectrum and Ensuring Technical Excellence

Satisfying Growing Demand for Radio Spectrum

To meet the industry's demand for radio spectrum in the launch of innovative applications and services, one of OFTA's priorities is to make these scarce, yet necessary, resources available in a timely manner.

In 2006/07, a total of 898 frequency assignments were made for the provision of various radiocommunications services. Additionally, we processed almost 5,000 applications – 4,309 for base stations for Hong Kong's 2G and 3G mobile networks, 49 for paging services and 265 for private radiocommunications services.

In October 2006, the Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau (CITB) initiated a comprehensive review of Hong Kong's policies guiding radio spectrum management. We provided CITB with the necessary support and technical assistance for the review.

In April 2007, CITB concluded this spectrum policy review and promulgated its Spectrum Policy Framework. Under the Framework, the Government will employ a market-based approach as far as possible, in the management of the radio spectrum.

Coordination with Neighbouring Cities

We represent the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in liaison meetings held with authorities in Mainland China and Macau to ensure that Hong Kong's radio and broadcasting stations operate without radio interference. In addition, we coordinated the use of frequencies within the 174 to 230 MHz band for digital audio broadcasting in Hong Kong with Mainland authorities.

Before the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Corridor was opened in July 2007 and during the initial operation of the Corridor and the Hong Kong Port Area at the Shenzhen Bay Port, to ensure the smooth operation of the pubic mobile radiocommunications services and the radiocommunications systems of Government departments providing essential services, we coordinated extensively with Mainland authorities on the use of radio frequencies in these areas.

We will continue to liaise with Mainland authorities on frequency planning and other compatibility issues related to both broadcasting and radiocommunications services. The latest major frequency coordination meeting between OFTA and Mainland authorities was held in December 2006. During the year 2006/07, several task group meetings on the coordination of frequencies between Hong Kong and Guangdong were also convened.

Facilitating the Growth of New Technology

Exploring the performance of ultra-wideband (UWB) devices operating in the 3.1 – 10.6 GHz band, we issued trial permits to interested parties to conduct tests on UWB devices. Following the licence-exemption of passive RFID equipment operating in the 800 MHz and the 900 MHz band, we are considering the possibility of making radio frequencies available in the 400 MHz band for active RFID operation.

At the same time, we are closely monitoring the development of new telecommunications services, technologies and devices in the market to make sure that suitable frequency bands are allocated to meet new demands in an efficient and timely manner.

Implementation of Digital Terrestrial Television

OFTA advises the Government on telecommunications matters and provides technical support to the Broadcasting Authority in their regulation of broadcasting services. We have been tasked to facilitate the deployment of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) services which are to be simulcast with analogue services by the two incumbent terrestrial television broadcasters by or before the end of 2007. We have set up two working groups to assist the broadcasters in solving technical issues and coordinating with other Government departments in relation to the implementation of DTT services.

As to the selection of a technical standard for DTT services in Hong Kong, the Government has adopted a market-led approach, ie, leaving the incumbent broadcasters to choose a standard. They have proposed adopting the national DTT standard. After evaluating the proposals and in view of the satisfactory outcome of laboratory tests and field trials of the proposed standard, in June 2007, the TA announced the adoption of the national standard as the transmission standard for DTT services in Hong Kong. Technical specifications for DTT receivers were published in the same month.

Satellite Services in Hong Kong

In preparation for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2007 (WRC-07), OFTA and local satellite operators attended meetings with the Ministry of Information Industry (MII) of China to discuss and resolve issues related to the conference's agenda with regard to satellite matters. We also participated in coordination meetings with operators in Mainland China to resolve potential interference issues between satellite networks of Hong Kong and Mainland China to ensure the coordinated use of satellite orbital positions and frequency assignments.

We studied more than 2,526 satellite network filings issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to assess any potential interference that could affect Hong Kong's satellite networks.

In 2006, OFTA and MII jointly revised the full set of domestic satellite coordination procedures effecting the coordination of satellite networks between Hong Kong and Mainland China to ensure their efficient and consistent operation. The two parties signed the document, formally adopting the procedures in December 2006.

Telecommunications Standards

In 2006/07, we issued 55 consultation papers to seek the industry's views on standardisation. Subsequently the TA approved five revised telecommunications standards, covering:

• Angle modulated radio equipment for use in 800 MHz trunked radio
• Customer premises equipment (CPE) for connection to the Public Telecommunications Network (PTN) using ISDN basic rate access
• CPE for connection to the PTN using ISDN primary rate access
• CPE for connection to the PTN using leased line or private circuit for voiceband operation
• CPE for connection to the PTN using digital leased line at 2048 kbit/s

Certification and Type Approval of Telecommunications Equipment

In 2006/07, OFTA completed 560 type approval applications for radiocommunications equipment and 62 certification applications for wireline equipment. During the same period, OFTA appointed a testing laboratory as a recognised testing agency (RTA). This means that we accept its test reports for equipment certification.

Since our participation in the APEC Telecommunications Mutual Recognition Arrangement (APEC Tel MRA) in 1999, we have recognised nine testing laboratories within APEC economies as Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs). Consisting of three designated by Chinese Taipei, four by the US, one by Singapore and one by Canada, these CABs are able to competently perform equipment tests according to our technical regulations. At the same time, three locally designated testing laboratories have been recognised as CABs, including one by Singapore, one by Canada and one by the US.

Ensuring Marine Radiocommunications Standards

OFTA provides the Marine Department with the technical support required to fulfill its obligations with regard to maritime radio installations under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. In 2006/07, we conducted 81 local surveys on maritime radio and radar installations to ensure that radiocommunications at sea continues to meet the highest international standards.

Professional Training for Maritime Personnel

To improve the professional qualifications of maritime radio operators, OFTA conducted 23 maritime examinations, which were attended by 144 candidates, in 2006/07. The examinations covered certificate categories in radiotelephony for river-trade vessels, local craft, pleasure boats and fishing vessels.

During the year, a total of 54 qualified seafarers holding relevant certificates issued by foreign administrations received their Certificate of Equivalent Competency with Endorsement according to the 1995 Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 (STCW 95), enabling them to operate radio stations on Hong Kong-registered ships.

We continue to recognise and monitor Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) courses at the Maritime Services Training Institute of the Vocational Training Council, the Training Centre of the Marine Department and the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Tsing Yi). In 2006/07, OFTA issued 42 GMDSS certificates to local seafarers, qualifying them for the operation of GMDSS radio equipment on both Hong Kong-registered and foreign vessels.

During the same period, OFTA continued to recognise and monitor radio amateurs' examinations (in Chinese and English) conducted by the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Tsing Yi) for the issuing of Amateur Station Licences. Two written examinations were conducted. Of the 382 candidates who attended the examinations, 212 passed.

Crackdowns on Unauthorised Subscription TV

Since the Broadcasting (Amendment) Ordinance came into operation in 2004, we have taken enforcement action, including regular patrols, the issuing of warnings to suspected offenders, as well as raids against pirated viewing of subscription TV programmes in commercial premises. In 2006/07, OFTA patrolled over 600 commercial establishments and mounted 20 raids against suspected offenders.

The sale of unauthorised subscription TV decoders is an offence under the Broadcasting Ordinance. OFTA conducts regular patrols and mounts raids in conjunction with the Police at premises selling such illegal devices. During the year, about 1,100 decoders and component parts were seized in 4 raids, with 7 people being arrested for selling unauthorised TV decoders. In addition, 20 offenders were convicted during the year. Penalties for these offences ranged from fines of $1,000 to $7,000.

Regulating the Sale of Radiocommunications Equipment

The use of radiocommunications equipment not complying with specifications prescribed by the TA can cause severe interference to legitimate radiocommunications services. In regulating the sale of radiocommunications equipment, we conduct inspections on licensed radio dealers and random patrols to shops selling radio equipment. In 2006/07, OFTA mounted 10 raids and seized about 1,000 pieces of radio equipment. Sixteen people were arrested for illegal possession and/or selling of radio equipment.

Enforcement against Unauthorised External Telecommunications Services

OFTA fully understands the impact of unauthorised operations of External Telecommunications Services (ETS) on the industry. We have therefore stepped up enforcement action to combat these illegal activities since 2004. In 2006/07, investigations were conducted in response to 155 complaints and 56 items of telecommunications equipment were seized with an estimated value of over $560,000 in 16 raids. The total amount in fines imposed by the courts and the TA on 11 cases also added up to over $350,000. Looking forward, we will continue to take enforcement action to ensure that Hong Kong's ETS operations are properly regulated.

Rapid Action on Radio Interference Complaints

In 2006/07, our Radio Monitoring Unit (RMU) investigated 3,253 complaints on radio interference filed by operators, users of radiocommunications services and the general public. Investigations were carried out, often on-site, and appropriate action taken to eliminate interference problems. Our RMU will continue to monitor traffic loading on radio channels for effective management of the spectrum.

Improving Broadcast Reception

We continue to play an active role in the handling of complaints and the offering of technical advice with regard to broadcasting reception problems. In 2005/06, we investigated 421 complaints concerning poor television reception and sound broadcasting services.

We also coordinate the construction of new television transposers across the territory to improve reception of domestic free television programme services. During the year under review, a TV transposer came into service in Cha Kwo Ling while a further transposer is being constructed to improve reception in the Ap Lei Chau/Aberdeen area.

OFTA regularly monitors the technical performance of domestic free and pay television programme services, sound broadcasting services and Satellite Master Antenna Television (SMATV) systems, to ensure their compliance with the relevant technical standards and Codes of Practice issued by the Broadcasting Authority and the TA.