ENG-2012 — Page 365

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Communications, the Media and Information Technology

The RTHK website (www.rthk.hk) has an average daily hit rate of 33 million. RTHK continues to harness the multi-media potential of the different emerging media platforms, including providing applications for mobile services ('RTHK On the Go, 'RTHK Thumb' and 'RTHK Node') and applications for tablet computers ('RTHK Prime'). These bring RTHK productions to local and overseas audience for their enjoyment any time, anywhere, by any device.

In 2012 RTHK launched 'RTHK Memory, a large-scale online programme archive project. The first phase offers public access to over 100 hours of audio and visual contents on the RTHK Memory website (http://rthk.hk/rthkmemory), including productions from the early years and much invaluable historical footage.

Recent Developments

The Government encourages the deployment of digital terrestrial television broadcasting technology in Hong Kong to enhance spectrum efficiency and enable the provision of television services of higher quality. The two incumbent terrestrial broadcasters, Asia Television Limited and Television Broadcasts Limited, launched digital terrestrial television, including the broadcasting of free high-definition television programmes and channels in 2007. Currently, about 70 per cent of Hong Kong households receive digital television via set-top boxes, integrated digital television sets and computers. The two broadcasters achieved digital coverage of about 98 per cent of the population by the end of 2012 and aim ultimately to achieve digital network coverage at least on par with that of analogue television broadcasting, which is close to 99 per cent of the population. Having regard to the actual coverage and take- up rate of digital terrestrial television, the Government decided in mid-2011 that the end of 2015 should be the working target for ending analogue television broadcasting.

The Government is handling three applications for domestic free television programme service licences in accordance with the Broadcasting Ordinance and established procedures.

Information Technology

Digital 21 Strategy

The Government is committed to making Hong Kong a leading digital city. The Government's 'Digital 21 Strategy, updated continually in tandem with technological advancements and the community's changing needs, has produced the right environment, infrastructure, skills and culture for developing and adopting information and communications technology (ICT), as reflected in Hong Kong's mobile subscription rate of 228.5 per cent and household broadband penetration rate of 86.1 per cent, which are among the highest in the world.

Hong Kong as a Leading Digital Economy

Driving E-business

To support the continuous development of a digital economy, the Government has established a clear legal framework for the conduct of secure electronic transactions through the Electronic Transactions Ordinance. Two certification authorities are recognised under the ordinance to issue digital certificates to enable the conduct of electronic transactions in a secure manner.

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