Hong Kong's overall 5G network coverage is among the highest in the world. However, given the geographical span in rural and remote areas in Hong Kong as well as the ruggedness of the terrain, the existing mobile network coverage and capacity in some of these areas are not comparable to those in the urban areas. Moreover, as customer demand in these areas is relatively low, mobile network operators ("MNOs") may lack the commercial incentive to expand their mobile network infrastructure in these areas to provide more comprehensive services, making 5G service coverage and capacity in some rural and remote areas still not satisfactory.

The Chief Executive announced in the 2023 Policy Address that the Government will proactively coordinate with MNOs and study how to expedite the expansion of mobile network infrastructure in rural and remote areas through financial subsidies to enhance the mobile network coverage and capacity in these areas so as to improve the quality of life in the areas and safeguard the safety of rural activities.

The Office of the Communications Authority is assisting the Government in developing a framework for the Policy Address initiative to implement a subsidy scheme to extend 5G coverage in rural and remote areas ("Rural 5G Subsidy Scheme"). For implementing the Rural 5G Subsidy Scheme, OFCA has proactively been in touch with the MNOs and other relevant stakeholders to solicit their views –

Consultation Document on the Subsidy Scheme to Extend 5G Coverage in Rural and Remote Areas