Issue No.:41 Date: 23 Nov 2006

 



Consultation Paper on Proposed Spectrum Policy Framework

On 25 Oct 2006, the CITB have published a consultation paper on proposed Spectrum Policy Framework to review the existing framework formulated in the 1970s. The review is aimed to provide a proposal to cater the needs of rapid developments in radiocommunication technology and services.

The highlights include:

  1. Enhancing Hong Kong’s strategic position as an international city and the gateway between the mainland and the world by facilitating the provision of Hong Kong’s key services which are deployed, or will be deployed, globally or in the Mainland is emphasized as one of the policy objectives. 
  2. A market-based approach is adopted in spectrum management as a guiding principle.
  3. The Telecommunication Authority (TA) should make an appraisal of the influence of various options for spectrum refarming exercise. It should not vary or withdraw frequencies assigned to a licensee before the expiry of the spectrum assignment; and at the same time, no legitimate expectation for spectrum right should be possessed after the end of the spectrum assignment.
  4. A spectrum release plan by the TA for the supply of spectrum to the market should be published in 3 years. Permission on secondary spectrum trading is suggested but spectrum liberalization is subjected to further studies.
  5. Necessary spectrum will continue to be reserved for government services.
  6. Spectrum utilisation fee (SUF) should be generally applicable to commercial use of spectrum.

I have urged the OFTA to carry out the spectrum review for a long time and provided a submission to the consultation in March 2005. In relating to the review, I have also raised a council question on Broadband Wireless Access licensing in the Legco.

This consultation will be ended on 24 Jan 2007. You are most welcomed to drop me a few lines at cksin@sinchungkai.org.hk to air your comments.

CK Sin

The Capital Works Reserved Fund (CWRF)
The proposed funding for 2007-08 for the implementation of computerization projects under CWRF is $540 million, which is the same as the provision for 2 previous years. I doubted if such amount is adequate to attain greater efficiency and productivity within the government and to sustain the next wave of E-government programme as stressed by the government.

In fact, it is urgent for the government to invest more on strengthening its information security after a series of information leakage incidents recently. On an advanced level, more funding should be allocated on developing wireless technology application such as introduction of WiMax technology.



Panels

Panel on Information Technology and Broadcasting
Next meeting: 11 December 2006 [Agenda]

  • Implementation of pilot e-procurement project
  • Public consultation on release of spectrum to enable the provision of CDMA2000 service
  • Information Security

Bill Committees

Motions

  • 29 November 2006
    Introducing standing relief measures and compensation policies for the live poultry trade

Council questions

 



Activities

Hong Kong IT Professional Certification (HKITPC) - IT Project Director & IT Systems Architect

HKITPC is an industry-led pioneering effort aiming at establishing a professional certification system for the Hong Kong IT professionals. IT Project Director and IT System Architect are launched after the consultation in 2006. Providing the first-hand information about the scheme, the seminar is organized by the Hong Kong Computer Society.

Date: 2 December 2006 (Saturday)
Time: 9:00am – 12:00noon
Venue: High Function Room, 1/F, HKPC Building 78 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong

Please visit here for details and download the registration form. The completed form can be faxed to 2788 5860. For enquiries, please call at (852)2788 6304 or email to it_events@hkpc.org

ITU TELECOM WORLD 2006
The theme this year is 'Living the Digital World'. Highlighting Hong Kong as the gateway to the Mainland market, it is a platform for international exchange and for the local ICT and related industries to demonstrate their strengths.

The expo is organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and is the most prominent global telecommunications, as well as ICT, event held once every three years.

Date: 4 – 8 December, 2006
Venue: The AsiaWorld Expo, Chek Lap Kok

Please visit here for details and take immediate action to register online NOW!

For enquiries, please contact the Hong Kong, China Secretariat at 2189 2268 by phone or marketing@world2006.hk.

News

Election Committee(EC) Subsector Elections
The Order of candidates for the EC Subsector Elections was released on 11 November. Results of the draw can be found here. Polling will be held on 10 December 2006. For more information, please go to the EC website.

The key function of the EC is to elect the Chief Executive. Your vote is important. MAKE IT COUNT!

Public consultation on 2007 Digital 21 Strategy
Click here to download the consultation document. All comments and submissions should be sent to the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer by 18 December 2006. For details, please click here.



My column @ Wen Wei Po

If you like to comment on my articles, please drop me a few lines of words. (column@sinchungkai.org.hk)



As an elected legislator, I always love to know your views. If you have anything would like to share with me, you can either email me or make an appointment for an office visit or home visit. Please leave your name, contact number, and discussion topic via email, and my office will follow up your request with phone calls accordingly.

 

 

This is a bi-weekly online newsletter. Published on every alternate Thursday during my term in the LegCo, it is designed to keep the IT professionals and the public in touch with what I am doing. For any questions, comments, concerns, subscription or unsubscription, please send to cksin@sinchungkai.org.hk.