Hong Kong's third-generation (3G) mobile auction faces a poor response from operators, who are still guessing who will take part.
The invitation period for applications, which will end at 5pm today, is clouded with uncertainty after last week's closure of financial markets in the United States.
'It is such a bad thing to predict,' one operator said. 'While we are preparing [for the 3G auction], we are still waiting cautiously for the stock-market opening in the US. We need to feel safe before making a decision.'
Analysts said the attacks on the US would cause concern for 3G operators about their ability to raise funds in the capital market and for possible strategic alliances.
None of Hong Kong's six mobile operators was willing to talk yesterday about whether they would bid for a 3G licence. Some cited a confidentiality agreement with the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (Ofta).
There was speculation whether Ofta could attract a minimum of four bidders after Peoples Telephone appeared to be dropping out of the race because of shareholder disagreements.
Chief executive Charles Henshaw said yesterday he could not provide information on the company's next step.