Hong Kong launches public consultation on additional spectrum in 4.9 GHz band

It also aims to discuss the spectrum utilisation fee for the provision of public mobile services.

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (SCED) and the Communications Authority (CA) have jointly launched a public consultation on the arrangements for assignment of an additional 80 MHz of spectrum in the 4.9 GHz band (4.80-4.96 GHz), a press release said.

The consultation also aims to discuss the spectrum utilisation fee (SUF) for the provision of public mobile services.

"The 4.9 GHz band, with good radio propagation characteristics, is suitable for providing wide area coverage. It can also be deployed at all indoor and outdoor locations in Hong Kong," a CA spokesperson said.

As there are likely to be competing demands for the additional spectrum, the CA proposes to assign the spectrum by way of auction. As for the related SUF, similar to other spectrum assigned for public mobile services where there are competing demands, it is proposed that the use of the additional spectrum should be subject to an SUF that reflects the full market value.

The SUF should be determined by auction with the auction reserve price to be set by the SCED.

Views and comments from the industry and other interested parties will be received on or before 18 August. The SCED and the CA looks to finalise their decisions in Q1 2021.