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"I have confirmed in the statement that a number of areas are open to competition without breach of HKTI's exclusivities. These areas include simple resale of HKTI's international private leased circuits for fax and data services, virtual private networks for internal communications of companies and organisations, video- conferencing services and customer mobile terminals for mobile-satellite services."

"Confirmation that these areas may be liberalised will bring about benefits to consumers in terms of lower prices, better quality and wider choices."

"I have also re-affirmed my earlier statements that call-back services do not breach HKTI's exclusive rights and that the self-provided circuits licensed under the current form of "self-provision" licences also do not breach HKTI's exclusivities," continued Mr Arena.

"International simple resale of voice telephone services and video-telephone services connected to the public switched telephone networks are within HKTI's exclusivities and competitive supply will not be permitted."

OFTA is now drafting guidance notes regarding the licensing of the services in the areas confirmed to be outside HKTI's exclusivities. These guidance notes will detail any appropriate licensing or safeguarding conditions and the eligibility of licensees where relevant.

Copies of the TA's Statement may be obtained by accessing the Bulletin Board services of OFTA on 2834 0119 or the home page of OFTA in the World Wide Web at URL http://www.ofta.gov.hk.

End

TAC endorses New Lantao Bus Company franchise renewal

The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:

At the meeting held this (Tuesday) afternoon, the Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) endorsed the Administration's recommendation to grant a new 10- year franchise to New Lantao Bus Company Limited (NLB) subject to a mid-term review. The recommendation will be submitted to the Executive Council for

consideration.