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The Media, Communications and Information Technology
The two incumbent terrestrial television broadcasters launched DTT, including the broadcasting of free HD television programmes and channels in 2007. Close to 85 per cent of households now receive digital television. The two broadcasters achieved digital coverage of at least 99 per cent of the population by the end of 2014, about the same as that of analogue television broadcasting. Having regard to the latest development of DTT in Hong Kong and technical considerations, the government decided in 2014 to revise the working target for switching off analogue television broadcasting from end-2015 to end-2020, with a review of the target date in 2017-18.
In April 2015, the Chief Executive in Council granted a domestic free-television programme service licence to commercial operator HK Television Entertainment Limited to provide free- television services in Hong Kong. Its integrated Cantonese channel and integrated English channel will begin within 12 months and 24 months respectively after the start of the licensing period.
The CA will continue to process applications for domestic free-television programme service licences in accordance with the law and established practices. It will submit recommendations to the Chief Executive in Council on the applications.
Postal Services
Hongkong Post provides a broad range of reliable postal and related services at affordable prices, in line with the government's obligation to make public services available to everyone. In 2015, it handled 1.2 billion postal items, of which 88.4 per cent was local mail.
To meet delivery needs arising from the growth of local and cross-border e-commerce, Hongkong Post extended its e-Express service to six more countries and further developed its counter collection service for online purchases. In addition, the online posting platforms were consolidated into an integrated facility with more varied functions to cover all bulk posting services for the convenience of senders.
Retail Network
During the year, Hongkong Post operated a network of 127 post offices. It relocated San Po Kong Post Office to nearby Concorde Road and renamed that as Concorde Road Post Office. As well, an Integrated Postal Services System was fully commissioned to automatise counter operations and integrate front-end transactions with back-end processes, while 271 more Octopus card readers were installed, enhancing customer experience as a result.
Stamps and Philately
Hongkong Post released 14 special issues of stamps on a diversity of themes during the year, drawing enthusiastic market responses. It also sponsored Hong Kong 2015 - 31st Asian International Stamp Exhibition at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in November.
International Co-operation
Hongkong Post takes part in the international postal arena to keep abreast of industry developments and to foster co-operation with other mail operators. In July, it hosted the Kahala
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