HK Telecom faces fresh claims of unfair play

HONGKONG Telecom is facing allegations of illegal predatory pricing just two months after being fined and giving an undertaking not to continue the practice.

The Government is investigating at least two complaints that the company is undercutting its legally approved price list in an attempt to beat its three smaller rivals, sources say.

Documents seen by the Sunday Morning Post indicate one customer who paid the listed prices was subsequently given a rebate cheque in August of more than $10,000.

It is understood that one complaint alleges some customers have been given free or cheap maintenance on their office switchboards - worth hundreds of thousands of dollars a month - in exchange for agreeing not to use competing firms.

Other services are also being offered at a discount to those agreeing to use only Hongkong Telecom IDD services.

In June, the South China Morning Post revealed the firm was engaged in widespread illegal anti-competitive practices, which the company then denied.