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E-commerce
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Domain Name Registration Company Limited took over the role of administering .hk country code top-level domain names on June 1 2001. New, more liberal domain name registration rules were implemented at the same time.
A Hong Kong web site bulletin board operator, icered.com, was recently ordered to disclose the personal details of anonymous users who had posted libellous messages. The case shows that web site operators may not be able to deny such requests for subscribers' personal information by relying on data protection principles alone.
China’s State Secrecy Bureau has issued new rules regarding the dissemination of ‘state secrets’ over the Internet and is pressuring Hong Kong to do the same.
Internet ‘Spamming’ is Legal
Information Technology
Hong Kong
Hong Kong companies may benefit from the relaxation of US export regulations relating to encryption technology but may find that China’s stricter policy may decrease international confidence in the special administrative region’s high-technology opportunities.
Reduced Charges for Internet Users
The Telecommunications Authority has reduced charges for internet service providers and for mobile telephone users and operators. The new rates are provided herein.
Y2K-Related Problems not a Problem
Telecommunications
Hong Kong
Direct Access to INTELSAT
As a consequence of the recent privatization of the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (INTELSAT), operators licensed to operate satellite earth stations in Hong Kong no longer require prior approval from the Telecommunications Authority before they gain direct access to the INTELSAT satellite system.
Hong Kong mobile phone tariffs have recently increased as mobile operators pass on to customers the costs of increasing network coverage and licensing fees. In response to complaints, the regulatory authority has cautioned the mobile operators not to adopt misleading practices, including the use of small print.
Following an application to the Telecommunications Authority, PCCW-HKT has been declared non-dominant on a number of Category B observation list routes, with the exception of the Vietnam route.
Four 3G Licences to be Issued
The Hong Kong 3G licensing process was completed with an announcement that each of the four applicants would be issued a licence to provide these services. There has been widespread speculation that the determination of the 3G licensees will be the catalyst for consolidation within Hong Kong's mobile industry.
Authority to Regulate Telecoms M&As
The Telecommunications Authority has proposed changes to relevant regulations that would increase the extent of its control over mergers and acquisitions involving telecommunications licensees in Hong Kong, to ensure that such transactions do not diminish the level of competition in the local telecommunications market.
The Telecommunications Authority can now authorize mobile operators to gain access to land to install, operate, maintain and inspect radiocommunications installations where this is in the public interest and subject to the payment to the landowner of a fair and reasonable fee for such access.
