Conclusion of auction of radio spectrum in 6/7 GHz band
The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) announced today (November 29) that the auction of the radio spectrum in the 6/7 GHz band commenced from Monday (November 25) has completed. A total of 300 MHz of spectrum in the band was bid for by three mobile network operators at a total of spectrum utilization fees (SUFs) of $630 million.
The results of the auction are listed in the table below:
Frequency block |
Frequency range
(MHz) |
Provisional successful bidder |
SUF payable
($) |
A1 - A5 |
6570 - 6670 |
China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited |
210,000,000 |
A6 - A10 |
6670 - 6770 |
Hong Kong Telecommunications (HKT) Limited |
210,000,000 |
A11 - A15 |
6925 - 7025 |
SmarTone Mobile Communications Limited |
210,000,000 |
"Hong Kong is the first in the world to conduct the auction of radio spectrum in the 6/7 GHz band for the provision of public mobile services. Being the largest remaining single block of mid-band spectrum for mobile services, the 6/7 GHz band will enable the deployment of fifth generation (5G) and, in the future, sixth generation (6G) mobile communications services, with high-speed and capacity vital to the future sustainable development of the digital economy and mobile broadband connectivity," a spokesman for OFCA said.
Benefitting from the amendments to the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112), which came into effect in January this year, mobile network operators can enjoy full tax deductions for SUFs payable on radio spectrum acquired.
The provisional successful bidders are required to pay the SUFs as specified in the table above and submit performance bonds to guarantee compliance with network and service rollout requirements by January 15, 2025. The assignment of the spectrum will take effect on or before March 31, 2025, with a validity period of 15 years.
Update on dengue fever
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 29) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases, and urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.
From November 22 to yesterday (November 28), the CHP recorded five DF cases. Four of them were imported cases. The patients had travelled to Guangdong Province (one case each for Foshan, Jiangmen and Zhongshan) and the Philippines (one case) during their incubation periods. The remaining case was thelocal DF caseannounced by the CHP yesterday. The CHP, together with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, will hold a health talk at 6pm today at the Lung Hang Estate Community Centre, which is close to the home of the patient concerned. During the talk, the CHP will also conduct a free DF antibody test for people in the district with relevant symptoms.
As of yesterday, 155 cases of DF, including 150 imported and five local cases, had been recorded in 2024. In 2023, 62 imported cases of DF were recorded.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. In 2023, ongoing transmissions, combined with an unexpected spike in DF cases, had resulted in close to a historic high of over 6.5 million cases, and more than 7 300 dengue-related deaths reported in over 80 countries/territories. Since the beginning of 2024, the WHO has recorded over 13 million cases, reaching a record number of cases.
The latest surveillance data shows that there is an increase in DF cases noted in some places in Asia (such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore) compared to the same period last year.
According to the Health Commission of Guangdong Province, the number of DF cases recorded in Guangdong Province in the past three months remains at a high level. Most of the cases were locally acquired infection. Information from the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention further showed that in the past week from November 18 to 24, over 500 local DF cases were recorded, with the highest numbers of cases recorded in Foshan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhanjiang and Zhuhai.
In addition, the number of DF cases in Macao has been increasing recently. Since the first local case of this year reported on October 23, nine local cases have been reported in Macao as of yesterday.
Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/df_imported_cases_and_overseas_figures_eng.pdf).
The continued occurrence of DF cases outside Hong Kong, coupled with the frequent travel by residents to and from Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao and other areas, has resulted in an increased risk of importing DF cases into Hong Kong, posing a risk of local transmission.
"Apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to a doctor," a spokesman for the CHP said.
The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers, and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.
DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
Read the label instructions carefully first;
Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
Reapply only when needed and follow the instructions.
* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.
The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of theCHPand theTravel Health Service, the latestTravel Health News,tips for using insect repellents, and the CHPFacebook PageandYouTube Channel.
