Macao SAR to Open up Internet ServiceAs a key move to open local telecommunications market, the government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) will accept applications for Provisional License of Internet Service starting from October 1.The decision was made because the government recognizes the important role played by Internet service in facilitating education, economy, commerce and telecommunications, according to a relevant government specification for the application. Tou Veng Keong, director of the Office for Development of Telecommunications and Information Technology, explained the specification to the press on Thursday. There will not be a ceiling for the number of Provisional Licenses to be granted, provided that the proposals of applicants show a sound background on technical and financial terms, the official said, adding, however, the submission of application does not necessarily guarantee the issuing of Provisional License. The Provisional License entitles the licensee to provide some or all the services through the Internet platform, such as public Internet access services, electronic mailbox, electronic messaging, database access and retrieval, Web hosting, application program hosting and database hosting services, bulletin board system and e-commerce. The Provisional License is valid for one year. It can be converted to Definitive License if the licensees fulfill certain requirements of the government. The Definitive License will be valid for a period of five years. Over the past two decades, public telecom services have been monopolized by the Macao Telecommunications Company. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |