Hobbyists face telecom fee

HUNDREDS of computer bulletin board services in Hong Kong - many run by teenage hobbyists - may have to obtain a special telecommunications licence in order to operate, according to guidelines issued by the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA).

Known as BBSes, they can be accessed by anyone with a computer, modem and telephone line. BBSes allow users to access software and databases and send electronic mail.

According to the latest OFTA guidelines, any BBS offering electronic mail facilities accessible to the public has to apply for a Public Non-Exclusive Telecommunications Service (PNETS) licence. The annual $750 licence is the same as that issued to companies providing access to the Internet, the global computer network.

'We don't care what the service is. If it involves messages or E-mail capability and if the service is offered to the public, then the service requires a licence,' OFTA controller of telecommunications, competitive services, C. L. Ng said.

Hongkong Telecom can charge holders of a PNETS licence $69 a month per line connected to their systems, plus nine cents for every minute line is in use.

This issue is of major concern to BBS operators in Hong Kong, many of whom are teenagers running their systems as a hobby, often not charging users for access.