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The policy to promote fair competition among FTNS operators has been enshrined in the amended Telecommunication Ordinance and the FTNS Licences issued to the four operators. Examples of specific measures implemented include: taking over of control of the telephone numbering plan by the Telecommunications Authority (TA) in 1993 to enforce an equitable numbering policy; enforcement of number portability (i.e. the ability for customers to retain their existing telephone numbers when changing telephone operators); requirement of operators to maintain separate accounts for different services rendered to monitor cross- subsidisation between services; issue of guidelines by the TA to property owners, developers and managers on non-discriminatory access to the common parts of private buildings by operators; and guidelines on interconnection between networks. The FTNS Licences contain conditions to prohibit anti-competitive behaviour and abuse of dominant position, and require operators to share "bottleneck" facilities. Also, the tariffs of Hong Kong Telephone Company Limited, the dominant operator, are subject to the regulation by the TA.

The Government will continue to monitor the market and enforce the Telecommunication Ordinance and the FTNS licence conditions. We are reviewing the Telecommunication Ordinance and intend to introduce a draft amendment bill into the Legislative Council later in the year. Some of the amendments serve to consolidate the provisions dealing with the development of fair competition in the FTNS market.

Potential use of alternative fuel vehicles

Following is a question by the Hon Zachary Wong Wai-yin and a written reply by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Bowen Leung, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council: