HONGKONG may not see the launch of pay-TV by October as originally predicted by the Government, the deputy secretary for Recreation and Culture revealed yesterday.
Mrs Rachel Cartland said the October on-air deadline was tight and possibly unrealistic.
She would not, however, give details on the progress of negotiations with China seeking its approval of the 12-year franchise or reasons for another possible delay in the issuing of the cable-TV licence.
The latest set back in the long-running saga to get pay-TV up and running was called a disappointment by lone bidder Wharf Cable's managing director, Mr Stephen Ng Tin-hoi.
''It is disappointing because we would like to be on air as quickly as possible. But it all depends on when a licence is issued,'' said Mr Ng.
''Under the terms of the licence, we are supposed to be on air nine months after the licence is awarded and we will try to beat that. There is still a chance we may be on air by October, but it all depends when a licence is issued,'' he added.