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Conclusion of auction of radio spectrum in 850/900 MHz and 2.3 GHz bands
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     The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) announced today (November 20) that after a total of 110 rounds of bidding in seven days, the auction of radio spectrum in the 850/900 MHz and 2.3 GHz bands was concluded. A total of 110 MHz of spectrum in 11 frequency blocks was auctioned off to four mobile network operators at total spectrum utilization fees (SUFs) of $2,242.5 million.

     The results of the auction are listed in the table below:
Frequency block Frequency range
(MHz)
Provisional successful bidder SUF payable ($)
A1 832.5 - 837.5
paired with
877.5 - 882.5
SmarTone Mobile Communications Limited 151,500,000
A2 885.0 - 890.0
paired with
930.0 - 935.0
Hutchison Telephone Company Limited 223,500,000
B1 2300 - 2310 Hutchison Telephone Company Limited 142,500,000
B2 2310 - 2320 Hutchison Telephone Company Limited 251,000,000
B3 2320 - 2330 China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited 217,000,000
B4 2330 - 2340 China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited 196,000,000
B5 2340 - 2350 China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited 215,000,000
B6 2350 - 2360 China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited 226,500,000
B7 2360 - 2370 China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited 219,500,000
B8 2370 - 2380 Hong Kong Telecommunications (HKT) Limited 280,500,000
B9 2380 - 2390 Hong Kong Telecommunications (HKT) Limited 119,500,000
    
     ​"The spectrum auction implements the 2023 Policy Address initiative to promote telecommunications development. Apart from using the spectrum for continued provision of fourth generation (4G) mobile communications services, successful bidders can also refarm relevant spectrum for 5G and future generations of mobile communications services (including 6G), thereby further enhancing overall service quality and driving innovation, benefitting all citizens in Hong Kong. In addition, benefitting from the amendments to the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) that came into effect in January this year, mobile network operators can enjoy full tax deductions for SUFs payable on radio spectrum acquired," a spokesman for OFCA said.

     The assignment of the frequency blocks will be valid for a period of 15 years. Each provisional successful bidder is required to submit a Letter of Credit by January 13, 2025, in full amount to guarantee payment of the SUF as specified in the table above. The provisional successful bidders are also required to submit performance bonds, where applicable, to ensure compliance with the network and service rollout requirement before the actual frequency assignments take effect.

     In addition, the auction of the newly launched 6/7 GHz band spectrum as mentioned in the 2023 Policy Address will take place on November 25.
 
Ends/Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Issued at HKT 19:01
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