HONGKONG Telecom yesterday announced a one-year delay in the introduction of its video-on-demand service, previously touted as a 'world first'.
It said the July launch date for the 'electronic video store' would be postponed until mid-1997 to incorporate better technology.
The announcement came after the Government rushed to draft a new type of licence and consult the public and attempted to pass laws regulating programme content on the service.
Telecom's interactive multimedia service managing director Dr William Lo Wing-yan said he was not embarrassed by the delay.
It would provide greater and more efficient technological flexibility, more options and would allow households to connect with an Internet service through a television-top 'smart box', he said.
The Government's proposal to control the new technology through the 'old' regulatory regime made no sense, Dr Lo said.
Using a telephone line connected to the black box on top of television sets, the service would allow viewers to select their own videos, choose and pay for goods from supermarkets and stores and, perhaps, to place bets.
