ENG-2019 — Page 343

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Media and Communications

digital coverage of at least 99 per cent of the population, while one commercial free-TV broadcaster provides digital TV services through a fixed network that covers about 93 per cent of households. As at end-2019, about 92 per cent of households were receiving digital TV services.

Review of Broadcasting Regulatory Framework

In March, the government introduced the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019 into the Legislative Council to implement a number of broadcasting relaxation measures to facilitate sustainable development of the sector amid keen competition brought about by internet infotainment.

Postal Services

Hongkong Post provides reliable postal and related services at affordable prices. In 2019, it handled 1.17 billion postal items, 74.6 per cent of which was local mail.

To keep pace with the growth of e-commerce, the e-Express service was further extended during the year, covering 43 major destinations, while the self-service iPostal stations were increased to 21, enabling customers to collect their mail at selected locations unconstrained by the opening hours of post offices.

Postage label vending machines sell postage labels with a wide range of preset values and provide a postage enquiry function. Work to replace the vending machines is under way and the new machines will be fully commissioned at all post offices by mid-2020.

Retail Network

In July, the EPS EasyCash for Senior Citizens service was extended to all 124 post offices, allowing the elderly to withdraw small amounts of cash in their local community without making a purchase.

Stamps and Philately

Thirteen issues of special and commemorative stamps were released during the year. Characters were imprinted for the first time on the back of the Old Master Q stamp set as a special feature.

International Cooperation

In September, Hongkong Post attended the Universal Postal Union's Third Extraordinary Congress in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of the PRC delegation and participated in a discussion on reforms to the terminal dues system.

Film Classification

To allow adults wide access to films while protecting the interest of young people and children, Hong Kong adopts a three-tier film classification system with four categories: Category I, which is suitable for all ages; Category IIA, not suitable for children; Category IIB, not suitable for young persons and children; and Category III, for persons aged 18 or above only. Categories IIA and IIB

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