provide and control SMATV systems before or in supplementation to the cable network. We are not optimistic that time alone will allow them to resolve these differences. We now believe that a firm setting of ground rules by the Administration will provide the only feasible background for resolution of this conflict, opening up the way for possible future co-operation between the two parties.
TVB Submission
19
The
On 11 July 1990, a submission was received from TVB expressing their "extreme concern over the implications of unregulated satellite television in Hong Kong". submission points out that when TVB accepted its current licence it was on the understanding that its competition would be ATV and Cable Television.
They assumed that satellite television would not be allowed to provide additional unregulated competition.
Principles for Consideration
20
(a)
(b)
(c)
The principles to be considered are -
all our broadcasters should operate within a licensing and
regulatory framework subject to the approval of the Governor-in-Council and no broadcaster should be permitted to operate outside this framework;
the need to ensure that the infant cable television operation is given a reasonable chance of survival during the early period of its existence so that it meets its undertaking to provide a quality cable TV programme network for the community, thus realizing our previous policy decision that provision of such a network would be in the best interests of Hong Kong, including the important benefit of provision of a facility for a second
telecommunications network;
entered
the
the recognition that, in awarding franchise for cable television to HKCC, the Government
into a contractual relationship with HKCC, thereby engendering an expectation that a reasonable degree of protection would be provided. We should also bear in mind the giving of the statement of comfort, cited in paragraph 4, as regards the need to maintain the operating environment necessary to ensure that HKCC's investment was not jeopardised;
CONFIDENTIAL