TNAG-1987-FCO40-2820-Presentation-of-UK-policy-on-Hong-Kong-to-the-media-1989 — Page 142

A

CONFIDENTIAL

For decision

on 18 July 1989

THE PROBLEM

ANNEX A

XCC (89)99 Copy No.

20.

MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

CABLE TELEVISION

were

In response to an invitation on 19 September 1988 to submit proposals for a Cable Television (CTV) system in Hong

on received

1989 Kong, bids

28 February

from four interested parties. The Administration recommends that two of the bids be rejected and that the licences to operate a CTV broadcasting service and network be awarded to one of the remaining bidders, subject to the successful out come of negotiations to obtain a satisfactory agreement on a number of out standing points.

RECOMMENDATION AND ADVICE SOUGHT

2

(a)

(b)

(c)

It is recommended that

the

bids

-

by Supertech International Corporation and Windows Television Systems Ltd should be rejected;

negotiations should be opened concurrent ly with Hutchison CableVision Ltd (HCV) and Hong Kong Cable Communications Ltd (HKCC) with a view to obtaining their agreement to improve

number of

areas in which their bids are considered defective. These areas described at paragraph 35; and

a

are

depending on the outcome of the negotiations, the Administration should return to the Council to seek advice on whether the licences should be awarded to HCV or HKCC.

Members will be asked to advise whether this recom- mendation should be approved.

BACKGROUND AND ARGUMENT Background

3

After considering memorandum XCC (88)105 (at Annex A) on 26 July 1988, Members advised that proposals for a single territory-wide CTV system should be called for in September 1988. At the same time, Members advised that certain restrictions should be placed on the broadcasting and networking aspects the CTV system, and gave advice on

CONFIDENTIAL