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Ofta to conclude interconnection plan

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The telecommunications regulator is working to conclude an interconnection arrangement among fixed-line operators this year and establish a framework for issuing new mobile licences past 2006.

Office of the Telecommunications Authority (Ofta) secretary-general Anthony Wong Sei-kei said he would put the interconnection process, which enables operators to lease copper wire last-mile access from dominant operator PCCW, into industry consultation within three months.

The consultation could signal a change in the regulator's approach by relaxing the mandatory opening of PCCW's network.

'It is a time for a change, and that is why we are putting the interconnection issue into public consultation,' said Mr Wong, who yesterday chaired the regulator's year-end review.

Starting this year, the fixed-line telecoms market has been fully deregulated, completing a process that began eight years ago. Mr Wong said more than 50 per cent of the population was now covered by more than two fixed-line operators, a commitment made in 1995 by the three second network operators - Hutchison Global Communications, Wharf T&T and New World Telecommunications.

Telecoms companies now lease last-mile access from PCCW not just for voice services, but also high-speed data.

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