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COMMUNICATIONS, THE MEDIA AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

The service has been well received by the public with about 400 calls received daily, on average.

To ensure that the community has access to computer facilities and the Internet, the Government has provided over 5 000 public computers with Internet connections at convenient locations such as community centres/halls, public libraries, district offices and post offices for people's free use. Some of these computers are equipped with facilities such as screens with an enlargement device, Braille machines, and software for conversion of text to voice to allow access for the blind and the visually impaired. Apart from the Super Cyber Centre in Yau Ma Tei providing computer and other related facilities for free use by the public, the first District Cyber Centre was opened in December 2002 in Tin Shui Wai, providing citizens in the north-western New Territories free access to computer facilities and a venue for providing basic IT training. In addition, a government-wide programme was launched during the year to donate surplus serviceable computers to the needy. All government websites are now in compliance with universal accessibility guidelines so as to facilitate access and navigation by people with visual disabilities. The Government also encourages non- governmental organisations and the private sector to adopt these guidelines in designing their websites.

Exploiting Enabling Technologies

Hong Kong has long been recognised internationally for achievements in commercialising new technology applications. The Government will continue to leverage the strengths in the exploitation of advanced enabling technologies. To ensure Hong Kong's active participation in the development of the next generation of Internet technologies, the Government has assisted local universities in setting up a high-speed link to the Internet2 Consortium in North America in 2002. Four licences have been issued for third generation (3G) mobile services, and 3G services are expected to roll out in 2003. Mobile digital certificates are also issued to support the conduct of secure mobile commerce.

IT Cooperation

During the year, Hong Kong concluded cooperative arrangements on information and communications technology with Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy and Ireland respectively, bringing the number of cooperative partners in the field of information and communications technology to 12. The other countries that have reached similar agreements on cooperative arrangements with Hong Kong are Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Finland, India, Israel and the Republic of Korea. The Government has been working closely with these partners under the aegis of such cooperative arrangements to promote and support inter-governmental exchanges, business partnerships, investment cooperation and joint research and development in the areas of IT and telecommunications. It will continue to explore the opportunities of fostering further cooperation in the field of information and communications technology with these partners.

Cyberport

In March 1999, the Financial Secretary announced the Government's intention to proceed with the development of the Cyberport at Telegraph Bay, in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island. The purpose is to provide an infrastructure for creating a strategic cluster of quality IT and IT-related companies. The Government is