Government launches Subsidy Scheme to Extend 5G Coverage in Rural and Remote Areas
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Under the Subsidy Scheme, participating MNOs will install approximately 50 new subsidised radio base stations (RBSs) in various locations in Hong Kong, including country parks, outlying islands and other rural and remote areas, to enhance mobile network coverage and capacity in these areas, thereby improving residents' quality of life and safeguarding the safety of rural activities.
"We anticipate that once the new RBSs are completed and activated, mobile network coverage of country parks in Hong Kong will increase to at least 90 per cent, while coverage along major government hiking trails will reach 98 per cent or above. The Subsidy Scheme will enhance network coverage in the surrounding areas and benefit some 70 villages located in the vicinity of the proposed RBSs, enabling residents, citizens and tourists to enjoy higher-quality mobile network services, and also facilitating the development of smart tourism," a spokesman for OFCA said.
As announced in the 2023 Policy Address, the Government would expedite the expansion of mobile network infrastructure in rural and remote areas through subsidies. To implement the initiative, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and OFCA, having completed the relevant technical studies and stakeholder consultations, formulated the specific arrangements for the Subsidy Scheme. The Legislative Council approved the relevant funding in April this year.
OFCA, as the implementation agency of the Subsidy Scheme, will rigorously assess applications and monitor installation progress as well as the future operation of the RBSs to ensure the effective use of public funds. For details of the Subsidy Scheme, including application eligibility and procedures, technical requirements and site locations, please refer to the thematic website of the Subsidy Scheme. For enquiries, please contact OFCA at 2961 6333.
Ends/Monday, July 7, 2025
Issued at HKT 15:25
Issued at HKT 15:25
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