The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (SCED) and the Communications Authority (CA) today (August 19) jointly launched two public consultation exercises on arrangements for the assignment of spectrum in the 600 MHz and 700 MHz bands and the re-assignment of spectrum in the 850 MHz band as well as the associated spectrum utilisation fee (SUF). The spectrum will be used for the provision of public mobile services. 

     A spokesman for the CA said that a total of 155 MHz of spectrum in the sub-1 GHz band is proposed to be made available to the industry. It includes 70 MHz of spectrum in each of the 600 MHz and 700 MHz bands made possible after the switching off of analogue television services on November 30, 2020 and the subsequent migration of digital television channels as well as 15 MHz of spectrum in the 850 MHz band due for re-assignment in November 2023.

     The 85 MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz and the 850 MHz bands can be deployed in both indoor and outdoor locations for the provision of public mobile services; while the 70 MHz of spectrum in the 600 MHz band is designated for indoor use to enhance the mobile services provided at indoor hotspots, such as shopping malls and confined areas like premises inside the Mass Transit Railway.

     "The superb radio propagation characteristics of the sub-1 GHz band spectrum enable operators to enhance mobile coverage in both indoor and outdoor areas in a very cost-effective manner and also underpin the Internet of Things and other 5G applications," the spokesman said.

     As there are likely to be competing demands for the spectrum, the CA proposes to assign it by way of auction. Prospective spectrum assignees may deploy the acquired spectrum in a technology neutral manner, including for the provision of 5G services.

     As for the related SUF, similar to other spectrum assigned for public mobile services where there are competing demands, it is proposed that it should reflect the full market value. The SUF will be determined through auction, with the auction reserve prices to be set by the SCED nearer the time.

     "The auctioning of spectrum will ensure that such a scarce public resource be put into the hands of those who value it the most and will consequently put it to the most efficient use, thereby benefiting the general public at large," a spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) said.

     Views and comments from the industry and other interested parties are welcome on or before September 15, 2020. After taking into account the views and comments received, the SCED and the CA target to make their respective decisions in the first quarter of 2021. 

     The respective consultation papers on the 600 MHz and 700 MHz bands and on the 850 MHz band can be downloaded from the websites of the CEDB (www.cedb.gov.hk/ccib/eng/paper/pdf/cp20200819_01_e.pdf and www.cedb.gov.hk/ccib/eng/paper/pdf/cp20200819_02_e.pdf) and the CA (www.coms-auth.hk/filemanager/en/content_711/cp20200819_1.pdf and www.coms-auth.hk/filemanager/en/content_711/cp20200819_2.pdf).

     The Buildings Department approved 23 building plans in June, with six on Hong Kong Island, nine in Kowloon and eight in the New Territories.

     Of the approved plans, 11 were for apartment and apartment/commercial developments, four were for commercial developments, six were for factory and industrial developments, and two were for community services developments.

     In the same month, consent was given for works to start on 15 building projects which, when completed, will provide 38 856 square metres of gross floor area for domestic use involving 655 units, and 49 966 sq m of gross floor area for non-domestic use. The department has received notification of commencement of superstructure works for 11 building projects.

     The department also issued 23 occupation permits, with six on Hong Kong Island, four in Kowloon and 13 in the New Territories.

     Of the buildings certified for occupation, the gross floor area for domestic use was 135 229 sq m involving 1 365 units, and 51 240 sq m was for non-domestic use.

     The declared cost of new buildings completed in June totalled about $7.2 billion.

     In addition, nine demolition consents involving nine building structures were issued.

     The department received 3 174 reports about unauthorised building works (UBWs) in June and issued 1 040 removal orders on UBWs.

     The full version of the Monthly Digest for June can be viewed on the Buildings Department's homepage (www.bd.gov.hk). 

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited on fraudulent websites, which has been reported to the HKMA. Hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website for ease of reference by members of the public.
 
     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the websites concerned or has conducted any financial transactions through the websites should contact the bank concerned using the contact information provided in the press release, and report to the Police or contact the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
 

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     As Hong Kong Observatory has cancelled all the typhoon warning signals, the Civil Engineering and Development Department today (August 19) announced that the Mui Wo Temporary Public Fill Reception Facility will be reopened at 2.45pm.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     The Marine Department has received notification from the Hong Kong Pilots Association Limited that the pilotage service will partially resume from 4.30pm today (August 19) and will fully resume when weather conditions improve. Shipowners, agents, masters and other port users are advised to pay attention.