In broadband, it's one country, no systems

My attempts to obtain broadband Internet access in Hong Kong have been totally unsuccessful so far. Apparently fibre-optic cable is not laid in my area (Siu Lam) and PCCW-HKT tells me that DSL technology also is not available in this area.

I am confused, as I had been led to believe by a friend in the industry that in a place as densely populated as Hong Kong, DSL should be available in just about all areas with a phone connection.

Could you please clarify for me why DSL may not be available in my area and also inform me of any other means of broadband access in Hong Kong and whom I might approach for access? For instance, is microwave or satellite access available?

HARRY CHEN

Mei Foo Sun Chuen

Broadband sounds like the cure for all ills but, as many people have found, it is still far from perfect. I asked Netvigator about your difficulties, and was sent the following statement, which may not solve your problem: 'Netvigator is using asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) technology to provide customers with broadband Internet access service - this has some distance limitation.

ADSL transmissions work at distances up to 18,000 feet (5,488 metres) over a single copper twisted pair. The reachable distance may vary based on loop condition, impairments and crosstalk.