This press release summarises the decisions of the Communications Authority (CA) following its 132nd meeting held in February 2024.
Further Amendments of Network and Service Rollout Obligations for Spectrum Assigned in the 26 GHz and 28 GHz Bands (26/28 GHz bands) for Provision of Large Scale Public Mobile Services
The CA, having considered the requests jointly submitted by the three spectrum assignees in the 26/28 GHz bands for the provision of large scale public mobile services, namely China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited, Hong Kong Telecommunications (HKT) Limited and SmarTone Mobile Communications Limited (Spectrum Assignees), decided to further amend the network and service rollout obligations imposed on them by postponing each of the three network and service rollout milestones by two years from 2024-26 to 2026-28. After the amendments, the Spectrum Assignees will be required to install and put into use 20 per cent of the minimum number of radio units (i.e. 500 radio units) by 24 April 2026, an addition of 30 per cent (i.e. 750 radio units) by 24 April 2027, and an addition of the remaining 50 per cent (i.e. 1 250 radio units) by 24 April 2028. Thus the periods of the relevant performance bonds for guaranteeing compliance with the network and service rollout obligations will be amended accordingly.
With the supply of the network equipment and handsets supporting the 26/28 GHz bands remaining in shortage, the CA decided to accede to the request of the Spectrum Assignees having regard to the latest situation. The requirement imposed on the Spectrum Assignees to install and put into use no less than 2 500 radio units within the specified period following the spectrum assignment remains unchanged.
Communications Authority
Secretariat
28 February 2024