The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) announced today (November 20) that after a total of 110 rounds of bidding in seven days, the auction of radio spectrum in the 850/900 MHz and 2.3 GHz bands was concluded. A total of 110 MHz of spectrum in 11 frequency blocks was auctioned off to four mobile network operators at total spectrum utilization fees (SUFs) of $2,242.5 million. China mobile took the bulk of the it.
The spectrum auction implements the 2023 Policy Address initiative to promote telecommunications development. Apart from using the spectrum for continued provision of fourth generation (4G) mobile communications services, successful bidders can also refarm relevant spectrum for 5G and future generations of mobile communications services (including 6G), thereby further enhancing overall service quality and driving innovation, benefitting all citizens in Hong Kong. In addition, benefitting from the amendments to the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) that came into effect in January this year, mobile network operators can enjoy full tax deductions for SUFs payable on radio spectrum acquired,” a spokesman for OFCA said.
The assignment of the frequency blocks will be valid for a period of 15 years. Each provisional successful bidder is required to submit a Letter of Credit by January 13, 2025, in full amount to guarantee payment of the SUF as specified in the table above. The provisional successful bidders are also required to submit performance bonds, where applicable, to ensure compliance with the network and service rollout requirement before the actual frequency assignments take effect.
Looks like Hong Kong will soon have LTE B40 , BAND 8 and BAND 5
Smartone B5 and Hutchison Band 8 are most likely designated as the anchor band for 5G NSA, with Band 8 and Band 5 being used for coverage. However, these only provide 5+5 MHz, which isn’t very practical.
Hutchison has 20 MHz of TDD Band 40, but it won’t be fast since more bandwidth is needed to achieve higher speeds.
China Mobile, on the other hand, has 40 MHz of Band 40, which could be utilized for n40 5G.
HKT’s 20 MHz of TDD Band 40 doesn’t offer much potential on its own, unless Hutchison and HKT combine their spectrum.
