Hongkong Telecom does not fear self-cannibalisation of its data traffic revenue when revised services and prices are introduced later this year.
The planned introduction of full ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) services by Telecom will spark a major re-evaluation of network requirements by existing medium-bandwidth customers, according to David Bowers, group manager of data, fax and video service management.
Mr Bowers said there would be a time lag between the introduction of new services and the implementation of them by network users because of terminal installation requirements and network revamps that would have to be designed to take full advantage of new services.
Wide-and local-area network computer managers are expected to be the first beneficiaries of new ISDN services. Telecom is awaiting Ofta approval to set up a PRI (primary rate interface) ISDN service and reschedule the pre-ISDN BRI (basic rate interface) service, which is available as part of the Datapak circuit switched service (CSS) table. Mr Bowers was unable to divulge the expected tariff pending the Ofta decision but said it would be priced for all users, including individuals.
A Hong Kong IT news service last week claimed the BRI price cut had been approved and released an estimated tariff, less than half of the existing rate.
However, an HKT spokesman said the leak had not come from the company because it was barred from disclosing details of negotiations with Ofta.