​A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (July 6) that the FEHD attaches importance to the quality of the wireless network services in its public markets and also strives to promote the use of contactless payment in public markets, with a view to ensuring that the operation is smooth.

     Currently, around 90 per cent of the market venues under the FEHD (including wet markets, cooked food centres/markets) have been installed with WiFi devices. To facilitate the promotion of contactless payment in public markets, the FEHD has completed assessments in its markets that have been installed with WiFi devices, and expanded the coverage area of wireless networks where necessary. The department also adjusted the wireless networks in public markets through wireless network service providers to unlimited use in September last year, with a view to providing greater convenience to market stall tenants and the public as well as ensuring smooth operation of contactless payment within the markets.

     The spokesman said, "The FEHD, together with the relevant departments including the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer and the Office of the Communications Authority today visited Luen Wo Hui Market in North District and Tai Wai Market in Sha Tin District, and exchanged views with their stall representatives. According to the departments' inspection, the WiFi network services provided by the Government were working well and smoothly, and the wireless network services provided by the mobile network service providers were operating normally. The departments also liaised with individual mobile network service providers to appeal to them to optimise the mobile phone signal reception at certain individual spots within the markets. They responded positively to the Government's appeal."

     The FEHD will continue to communicate with the stall tenants in its markets, and cooperate with the stakeholders and relevant departments.

Ends/Tuesday, July 6, 2021
Issued at HKT 22:27

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