HK telcos oppose government plan to re-auction 3G spectrum

Warn of quality problems after spectrum recall.

Hong Kong's four 3G network operators allege that plans by the Office of the Communications Authority, the telecoms regulator, to rescind some 3G spectrum for re-auction in 2016 would have a worse effect on services than OFCA expects.

OFCA has proposed to remove one-third of the 3G spectrum at 2.1GHz from each of the four incumbent 3G mobile operators for re-auctioning when the spectrum assignment period expires in 2016.

Part of the rationale for the spectrum seizure is thought to be that the government is known to be keen to introduce a fifth mobile network into the market.

A study carried out for the 3G operators claim that extent of the service degradation on 3G services would be three times greater than that estimated by the government. The report paints a dire picture of a future with a complete loss of voice service in the underground railway during busy periods; a significant decrease in data download speeds and difficulties and delays in accessing video applications via the Internet.