To provide a more user and business-friendly regulatory environment, the Telecommunications (Telecommunications Apparatus) (Exemption from Licensing) Order was gazetted today (January 17).

A spokesman for the Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau said that the Order would update and relax the regulatory regime on telecommunications apparatus. In particular, new frequency bands would be released for the public to deploy new wireless apparatus in Hong Kong. These included the opening of a new frequency band in 5150 - 5350 MHz for establishing wireless local area networks (LAN), as well as the opening of new bands for cordless telephones, wireless smart card systems, short-range radio systems etc.

"Hong Kong will be amongst the first batch of economies in the world to open the 5150 - 5350 MHz band for IEEE 802.11a type of wireless LAN applications. Tying in with the growing popularity of wireless LAN service in Hong Kong, consumers and businesses will enjoy innovative wireless equipment and leading edge wireless LAN service," the spokesman explained.

"Moreover, the Order will exempt the sale of practically all the radiocommunications products which do not raise regulatory concern like interference problem. For example, a dealer licence will no longer be required for the sale of mobile phone," the spokesman said.

The Order would also benefit travellers by exempting from licensing requirement the import and export of these radiocommunications products for personal use.

"The updated and relaxed regulatory regime on exemption arrangement under the Order will facilitate the development of a vibrant and thriving telecommunications market. This will in turn bring benefits to consumers and businesses," the spokesman concluded.

To protect consumer interests, the provision of public telecommunications services using exempted telecommunications apparatus will continue to be subject to licensing control.

Background

The exemption order aims to consolidate and update seven exemption orders currently in force exempting the private use, sale and import or export of various telecommunications apparatus from the licensing requirements under the Telecommunications Ordinance (Cap 106).

Under the Ordinance, the establishment and maintenance of any means of telecommunications (including radiocommunications apparatus) is subject to licensing. The Ordinance also provides that the possession, use, sale or demonstration with a view to sale, and import or export of radiocommunications apparatus are subject to licensing.

The Order will be tabled at the Legislative Council on January 22. It will take effect as soon as possible, subject to the vetting of the Legislative Council.

Friday, January 17, 2003