Hong Kong Publicizes Basic Price for 3G License of 5.2 Billion HK DollarsJuly 18 saw Government of Hong Kong (SAR) publicize the rules for auction of the 3G (Third Generation Mobile Systems) mobile phone licenses. According to the rules, the total revenue will reduce at least 5.23 billion HK dollar in the coming 15 years should the four licenses all be sold at the basic price.Because the market foreground is gloomy on telecommunication, the Hong Kong government has lowered the basic price of the license for attracting more bidders. And by 2005, Hong Kong government will not issue any 3G licenses after this issuance. The licenses will be issued in two steps, "selecting competent before auction" with the potential 3G network operators first to pay on September 17-18 the caution money of 250 million HK dollars and prove their capability to roll out a national 3G network. Those who got passed the first stage will be accepted to enter for auction of the 3G airwaves. Under the proposed rules, the identities and bids of the bidders would not be disclosed publicly during the auction. And the auction winners will pay a turnover-based royalty instead of a lump sum for their licenses. This auction is about to be concluded before October. And operators will begin their businesses in 2002-2003 as soon as possible after licenses received by the end of this year. By PD Online staff member Huang Ying |
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