Consultation on 3G reassignment begins

Hong Kong’s telecoms and broadcasting regulator, the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA), which replaced the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) on 1 April, has begun a consultation on reassignment strategy for 2×60MHz of 2100MHz band spectrum when existing 3G licences expire in 2016. Three options are proposed: re-auction of all of the spectrum; right of first refusal to be offered to the four incumbent 3G operators (Hutchison [3], CSL New World Mobility, SmarTone and PCCW [HKT]); or a hybrid option (right of first refusal / spectrum re-auction). Comments will be accepted until 15 June 2012; the regulator plans to issue a second consultation paper by end-2012/early 2013, and make a decision before October 2013.

Source: TeleGeography