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Hong Kong is a leading communications centre. It has:
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over 3.8 million fixed telephone lines |
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7.2 million mobile phone subscribers (106 per cent of
the population) |
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Hong Kong is an early adopter and mature user of information
technology: |
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68 per cent of households have installed personal computers |
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60 per cent of households are connected to the Internet |
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broadband coverage reaches virtually all commercial buildings
and households |
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over 10 million e-payment smart cards are in circulation |
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90 per cent of public services which are amenable to the
electronic mode of delivery are provided with an e-option
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70 per cent of Internet users have used E-government services |
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EXCELLENT communications have been an essential element in Hong Kong's
development as an international business and financial centre. The HKSAR
has one of the most sophisticated telecommunications markets in the world,
and its people are kept well informed by a vigorous media.
The HKSAR already has a fully liberalised telecommunications
market. In 2003, legislation was enacted to regulate merger and requisition
authorities in the telecommunications market. The Government also started
a review of the policy and regulatory regime of the Type II interconnection
arrangement among operators' fixed networks to effect the last mile coverage
to reach customers' premises. The review aims at, among other things,
encouraging investment in the telecommunications network, thereby furthering
the goal of developing Hong Kong into a leading digital city.
In broadcasting, the Government has liberalised the
television market. The new services have brought in many more television
programme channels. The Government is also set to introduce digital terrestrial
broadcasting in Hong Kong and is reviewing the broadcasting regulatory
regime to facilitate technological convergence. A vibrant television market
will not only widen viewers' choice, but also enhance Hong Kong's position
as a regional broadcasting hub.
The Government is building up a major population-wide
information infrastructure for the further development of E-government
and e-commerce through the issue of smart identity cards starting in 2003.
The card has a number of different functions and the public can opt to
embed a digital certificate in it. |
