Withdrawal of Licensing Exemptions for Personal Handy Phone System (PHS) Apparatus

PHS is a short and medium-range mobile radiocommunications technology introduced into Hong Kong in 1997, mainly for use in cordless telephones operating in the 1895 – 1906.1 MHz frequency band. The deployment of PHS in Hong Kong has not been as successful as anticipated.

Having regard to the limited supply of PHS apparatus in the market, the typical lifespan of a home cordless telephone, and the scanty radio spectrum utilisation of the 1895 – 1906.1 MHz band, OFCA considered that the allocation of this particular frequency band for PHS apparatus should be withdrawn. This will free up valuable and limited radio spectrum resource for deployment to other services in a more effective manner. Accordingly, consultation with the industry and the public on the withdrawal of the licensing exemption related to PHS apparatus, and thus frequency allocation in the 1895 – 1906.1 MHz band, was conducted through the then Radio Spectrum Advisory Committee at its meetings in March 2011 and a ten-week public consultation initiated in November 2011. There was general support for the CA's proposed withdrawal of licence exemption in both consultation exercises.

To give effect to the withdrawal of PHS licence exemption, the Telecommunications (Telecommunications Apparatus) (Exemption from Licensing) (Amendment) Order 2012 was enacted and commenced operation on 10 May 2013. Under this Order, starting from 10 May 2013, no person shall carry PHS apparatus into Hong Kong or sell such apparatus in the local market. With a three-year grace period, members of the public who are currently using PHS apparatus will be allowed to do so continually until 9 May 2016.

Imposition of SUF on Administratively-assigned Spectrum in Congested Bands

Promulgated by the Government in April 2007, the Radio Spectrum Policy Framework stipulates that SUF applies in principle to all non-government use of the radio spectrum. The objective of imposing SUF on administratively-assigned spectrum is to facilitate the most economical and socially efficient use of the radio spectrum in order to maximise the benefit to the community. Following the completion of the public consultation on the proposed charging scheme in February 2011, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development and the then TA issued a joint statement on the way forward in September 2011. Eight frequency bands used for fixed links, electronic news gathering/outside-broadcast links and satellite uplinks are identified as congested bands and the use of spectrum in these frequency bands would be subject to SUF payment. To implement the scheme, the Government is preparing the necessary amendments to the subsidiary legislation under the TO.

Accreditation of Local Certification Bodies for Testing and Certification of Telecommunications Equipment

To keep in pace with international best practices, commencing 1 October 2009, the testing and certification services for telecommunications equipment, which were previously provided by the then OFTA, were transferred to qualified local testing laboratories. Laboratories accredited by the CA as local certification bodies (LCBs) can offer a full range of telecommunications equipment testing and certification services. In 2012/13, the LCBs issued 432 equipment certificates to meet the needs of the telecommunications equipment market.

To ensure that all LCBs providing telecommunications equipment testing and certification services meet the service quality and performance standards prescribed by OFCA, we will continue to closely monitor their performance by conducting documentary checks, plant visits and reviews on a regular basis. So far, all LCBs have been performing up to OFCA standards.

Technical Specifications for Telecommunications Equipment

We are constantly monitoring international developments in telecommunications standardisation and updating local technical standards in order to meet the needs of the industry and the public. In 2012/13, a total of 11 papers were issued to consult the industry on matters related to standardisation, and six new or revised technical standards were approved and issued by the CA.