LettersRemote Hong Kong village can expect better connectivity this year

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Hoi Ha as seen from the sea in May 2018. Photo: Martin Williams

Published: 6:45am, 21 Jan 2021Updated: 6:45am, 21 Jan 2021

The Office of the Communications Authority notes the letter from your reader titled “Connectivity an isolating issue in ‘remote’ areas” (January 4), and would like to respond as follows.

Hoi Ha village is among those covered by a project under the government’s subsidy scheme to extend fibre-based networks to villages in remote areas. The project will be undertaken under a tender awarded to Hong Kong Telecommunications (HKT) Limited, which is now carrying out the implementation work.

The roll-out of fibre-based networks involves not only planning and design, and the laying of the network, but also applications for various statutory permits, approvals for road excavation work, and so on.

In particular, for some remote villages, engineering works can encounter more difficulties, such as when there are no leading roads or when they must pass through country parks. Ofca has been monitoring the progress of the works, and it is expected that the newly built fibre-based network could be extended to Hoi Ha in the fourth quarter of this year.

This enhancement of the coverage of fibre-based networks in remote areas like Hoi Ha will not only improve the broadband services available at the villages concerned, but will also provide the infrastructure necessary for the deployment of other types of telecommunications services, such as 5G mobile and Wi-Fi, benefiting villagers and visitors to the countryside.

Lai Chi Wo, a Hakka village near Sha Tau Kok, is among those covered by the government’s subsidy scheme. Photo: Roy Issa