In broadband, it's one country, no systems
My attempts to obtain broadband Internet access in Hong Kong have been totally unsuccessful so far. Apparently fibre-optic cable is not laid in my area (Siu Lam) and PCCW-HKT tells me that DSL technology also is not available in this area.
I am confused, as I had been led to believe by a friend in the industry that in a place as densely populated as Hong Kong, DSL should be available in just about all areas with a phone connection.
Could you please clarify for me why DSL may not be available in my area and also inform me of any other means of broadband access in Hong Kong and whom I might approach for access? For instance, is microwave or satellite access available?
HARRY CHEN
Mei Foo Sun Chuen
Broadband sounds like the cure for all ills but, as many people have found, it is still far from perfect. I asked Netvigator about your difficulties, and was sent the following statement, which may not solve your problem: 'Netvigator is using asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) technology to provide customers with broadband Internet access service - this has some distance limitation.
ADSL transmissions work at distances up to 18,000 feet (5,488 metres) over a single copper twisted pair. The reachable distance may vary based on loop condition, impairments and crosstalk.
PCCW's DSL services cover most of Hong Kong (more than 95 per cent) but still cannot cover some remote areas. Siu Lam is one of the remote areas that are outside the distance limit of our exchange ADSL.
Although PCCW's broadband coverage to Siu Lam is not available at present, PCCW plans to roll out broadband service to Siu Lam.
We have already applied for the permit from the Hong Kong Government to install an outdoor remote ADSL shelf (DSLam) in the area, but are awaiting approval from the Highways Department.
If the permit is granted, one to two months will be needed for the installation work. The possible service available date is the middle of 2001, of course, it depends on the time we can get the permit.'
As for microwave or satellite, you will have to wait a while before you have a chance of trying them. Microwave has been tested by a number of local firms, and is provided in Central by Davnet Digitel, but nobody yet offers the technology in your area. There are more companies to try - Hong Kong Broadband Network, Hutchison, I-Cable, SmarTone and SpeedLink all offer broadband services, though I believe none yet reach Siu Lam.
