When the Government set up OFTA by separating its functions from the Telecommunications Branch of the Post Office, the aim was to establish an independent regulator to promote the development of the telecommunications industry by providing a fair, competitive business environment.
OFTA is the executive arm of the Telecommunications Authority, a one- person institution appointed under the Telec o m m u n i c a t i o n s Ordinance to oversee regulation of the sector.
The overall telecommunications policy framework is set by the Economic Services Branch of the Government Secretariat.
Apart from ensuring a fair operating environment, OFTA has other duties. These include taking care of universal service requirements - the provision of telecommunications services to users in uneconomic zones and the licensing, financial monitoring and technical regulation of the holders of telecommunications licences.
OFTA also has a major consumer protection role. It handles consumer complaints, monitors prices and services and holds frequent public consultations on matters of public interest.
Frequency spectrum management is another major role and here OFTA takes on the role of policeman, chasing down illegal radio operators using sophisticated tracking equipment.
