Hong Kong to re-assign 2.5/2.6 GHz spectrum

Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (SCED) and the Communications Authority (CA) have launched a public consultation on the proposed arrangements for the re-assignment of 90 MHz of spectrum in the 2.5/2.6 GHz band for the provision of public mobile services as well as the associated spectrum utilisation fee (SUF). The 90 MHz of spectrum in the 2.5/2.6 GHz band is currently assigned to three mobile network operators for the provision of fourth generation mobile (4G) services. The existing assignments will expire in March 2024.

The Authority says the 2.5/2.6 GHz band can also be re-farmed to meet future demand for 5G services. The CA proposes to re-assign it by way of auction. “Prospective spectrum assignees may deploy the acquired spectrum in a technology neutral manner, including for the provision of 4G and 5G services", the CA said.

Similar to other spectrum assigned for public mobile services where there are competing demands, it is proposed that the SUF should reflect the full market value and will be determined through auction, with the auction reserve prices to be soon set by SCED.

Interested parties can submit their comments and recommendations by 20 October. SCED and the CA plan to release their decisions in the first quarter of 2021, to give a 3-year advance notice to the incumbent spectrum assignees before the expiry of the existing assignments.