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Press Release of 25 October 2000
PNETS
Charges for Internet Users Further Reduced
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The Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) announced
today a further reduction in PNETS charge for Internet users. At the same
time, interconnection charges between the mobile phone networks and the fixed
telephone network will also be reduced.
OFTA has completed a regular review on the interconnection charges
of Pacific Century CyberWorks HKT for the use of its network by Internet Services
Providers (ISP) and mobile phone operators. The interconnection charge applicable
to ISPs is commonly referred to as the "PNETS charge". It is also applicable
to all types of value-added services.
The per minute usage charge to ISPs will be lowered from the
current 2.7 cents per minute to 2.3 cents per minute, representing a 15% reduction.
The interconnection charge for mobile phone operators will decrease from 5.9
cents per minute to 5.1 cents per minute, representing a 14% reduction. The
monthly rental of the lines used by ISP and mobile phone operators will remain
unchanged at $79 per line per month. The new charges become effective from
1 October 2000.
"Hong Kong's access charge for Internet will stand at less
than $1.4 per hour after this revision. This is among the lowest in the world
and should be welcomed by our fast growing Internet community," said Mr Anthony
S K Wong, the Telecommunications Authority (TA).
Details of the TA Statement relating to the reduction in PNETS
charges can be viewed at OFTA's homepage at http://www.ofta.gov.hk
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