ENG-2011 — Page 420

364 Communications, the Media and Information Technology

Government Home Pages on the Internet

In line with the Government's commitment to openness, transparency and accountability, all bureaux and departments produce their home pages in Chinese and English to disseminate information through the Internet on its policies, services and activities and to communicate with the public. Thematic home pages are also produced for special events and topics. These home pages can be accessed through the Government's one-stop portal, GovHK, at www.gov.hk, which has both desktop and mobile versions.

The GovHK also provides 24-hour news updates, consultation papers and topical information to enable the public to keep track of local developments and important announcements, and access a wide range of electronic Government services, such as submission of tax returns, payment of government fees and purchase of government publications. Users can also share public information through social media on the GovHK platform. To reach stakeholders and the public through electronic means, many bureaux and departments as well as some Principal Officials also make use of popular social media such as Facebook, Youtube and blogs.

Code on Access to Government Information

As an open and accountable Government, all government bureaux and departments are committed to making information available to the public in accordance with the Code on Access to Information. The code specifies the types of government information the public may have access to. Disclosure may be refused on grounds of the confidential and sensitive nature of the information to ensure appropriate protection of such information. The public may complain to The Ombudsman if government bureaux and departments do not respond to requests for information in accordance with the code.

Telecommunications

The Government's telecommunications policy is to facilitate the development of the telecommunications industry and enhance Hong Kong's position as the region's telecommunications hub.

Hong Kong's telecommunications markets are fully liberalised. Keen competition has benefited consumers in terms of prices, service quality and choices. According to the findings of a study on international tariff benchmarking commissioned by the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) and published in May 2011, Hong Kong residential and business users pay as low as one-tenth of the charges for their fixed and mobile voice services as their counterparts in six other cities (i.e. Copenhagen, London, New York, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo). Over the years, Hong Kong has maintained its position as one of the most affordable markets for telecommunications services. This demonstrates the success of the city's pro- competition policy and pro-market approach, which enables consumers and business users in Hong Kong to enjoy quality telecommunications services at affordable prices.

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