The following is issued on behalf of the Communications Authority:
 
     This press release summarises the decision of the Communications Authority (CA) following its 88th meeting held in July 2019:
 
Variation of spectrum assignments of Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) and HK Television Entertainment Company Limited (HKTVE) after analogue switch-off
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     The switching off of analogue television services (ASO) has been scheduled for end-November 2020. Following the ASO, a total of 160 MHz spectrum in the 614 - 806 MHz band will be made available for high value-added mobile telecommunications services, including the fifth generation mobile (5G) services, by the end of 2021. To enable the spectrum re-allocation, the CA issued notices to TVB and HKTVE today (July 25) to give an advance notice on the variation of their spectrum assignments currently used for the transmission of Jade, ViuTV and ViuTVsix TV programme channels in 2021.

     To prevent the interruption of reception of those TV programme channels by the viewing public at large, the CA will assign to TVB and HKTVE the new TV frequency channel at 598 - 606 MHz on February 1, 2021. This will enable TVB and HKTVE to transmit their digital terrestrial television signals for those TV programme channels at both the existing and new TV frequency channels for a simulcast period, before the assignment of the existing TV frequency channels will be withdrawn with effect from November 30, 2021. The Office of the Communications Authority will continue to co-ordinate with TVB and HKTVE on the variation of spectrum assignments and will advise the public nearer the time on the details of the relevant implementation arrangements.

     For further details, please refer to the notices published on the CA's website: www.coms-auth.hk/filemanager/statement/en/upload/516/ca_notice_20190725.pdf and www.coms-auth.hk/filemanager/statement/en/upload/517/ca_notice2_20190725.pdf.

Ends/Thursday, July 25, 2019
Issued at HKT 16:00

NNNN