According to the official website of the Hong Kong Communications Authority, on July 18th, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (referred to as the "Commerce and Economic Development Bureau") of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, in conjunction with the Communications Authority (referred to as the "Communications Bureau"), conducted public consultation on the allocation of a total of 400MHz spectrum in the 6/7GHz frequency band (6570-6770MHz and 6925-7125MHz) to the public mobile communication system, as well as the formulation of proposed arrangements for spectrum usage fees.



A spokesperson for the Communications Bureau stated that as the largest remaining frequency band in the mid frequency spectrum supporting public mobile communication services, the 6/7GHz frequency band will help expand the fifth generation (5G) mobile communication network and services that combine speed and capacity, and is crucial for the sustainable development of Hong Kongs future digital economy and mobile broadband connectivity.



The Communications Bureau also recommends revising the Hong Kong frequency division table to allocate the 6425-7075MHz frequency band currently allocated to fixed services and satellite fixed (ground to air) services to the public mobile communication system as the main business, so that the 6/7GHz frequency band can be used to provide public mobile communication services.



Due to the potential competitive demand in the market for the relevant spectrum, the Communications Bureau suggests assigning the relevant spectrum through auction. Like other spectrum used for public mobile communication and allocated through auction, the Director of Commerce and Economics suggests that the spectrum usage fee should fully reflect its market value, and the auction floor price will be set near the auction.



At the same time, the Communications Bureau has updated the spectrum supply table from 2023 to 2025, notifying the industry of the potential spectrum supply in the 6570-6770MHz and 6910-7125MHz frequency bands to provide public mobile communication services.



After public consultation and seeking opinions from all parties, the Commerce and Economic Bureau and the Communications Bureau are expected to make a decision in the first half of 2024.