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Public Consultation on Telecommunications Review
The Government published today (Saturday) a consultation document on a comprehensive review of its policies in telecommunications.
Speaking after a briefing session on the recent World Trade Organization (WTO) Basic Telecommunications Agreement, Mr Alexander Arena, Head, Telecommunications Review said that "despite the fact that Hong Kong already enjoys a world-class telecommunications industry, we need to plan ahead to ensure the strength of Hong Kong's telecommunications sector continues to grow. The world telecommunications industry is operating in an increasingly competitive market as global trade in services continues to surge."
Hong Kong's telecommunications policies were last reviewed in 1992 and a position paper was subsequently issued in early 1994,
The current review will start on March 1, 1997. Its main objectives are -
a)
b)
c)
examining, on the completion of 18 months since the opening up of local telephone service to competition, the current state of development of Hong Kong's telecommunications industry;
formulating policy options to respond to the foreseeable development of telecommunications technologies and the convergence of telecommunications, broadcasting and information technologies; and
developing strategic options, with a full analysis of "pros" and "cons" to maintain Hong Kong's leading position in telecommunications and competitiveness in the Information Age.
Members of the public are invited to submit their comments to the following by Friday April 11, 1997 -
Economic Services Branch
2/F, Central Government Offices (Main Wing)
Lower Albert Road
Hong Kong
(Fax: 2868 4679)
The public consultation document is available from OFTA's Internet home page (URL address: http://www.ofta.gov.hk). Copies of the consultation document will be available at Economic Services Branch or OFTA's Enquiry Counter from March 3, 1997 onwards, and at District Offices' Public Enquiry Counters from March 5, 1997.
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