Hong Kong to end subsidies for 5G deployments

The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) announced the application period for the Subsidy Scheme for Encouraging Early Deployment of 5G launched in May 2020 under the second round of the Anti-epidemic Fund will close on 31st December.

The Subsidy Scheme aims to encourage various sectors, through the provision of financial incentives, to deploy 5G technology early to foster innovation and smart city applications, and to improve efficiency of their operations and quality of their services that will contribute to enhancing Hong Kong’s overall competitiveness. The Government has earmarked funding of $100 million for the Subsidy Scheme to subsidise half of the costs of projects involving the deployment of 5G technology, subject to a cap of $500,000 for each project. The Subsidy Scheme has received an enthusiastic response from the public since its launch and the deadline for application has been extended several times to benefit more projects. To date, over 160 applications have been approved under the Subsidy Scheme, covering various industries and sectors.

“The Subsidy Scheme has successfully promoted the deployment of 5G technology and the adoption of innovative 5G solutions covering various industries and sectors including medical, education, construction, engineering, transport, property and building facilities management and logistics. Approved projects include remote surgery consultation and training system for university teaching hospital, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education system, safety monitoring system for construction site, smart passenger flow analysis system, smart security system, and remote control gantry crane. Amid the epidemic, the Subsidy Scheme has successfully promoted 5G deployments in different sectors, facilitating smart city development and providing convenience for the public in their daily life while opening up more business opportunities and room for development for start-up businesses,” a spokesman for OFCA said.

“Individuals who wish to apply for the Subsidy Scheme should seize the final opportunity to submit applications to OFCA before the application deadline on 31st December. Furthermore, the Government will continue its efforts in promoting the development of 5G which include timely supply of suitable radio spectrum to the market, implementation of regulatory and administrative measures to facilitate the development of 5G, and promotion of the wide application and ubiquitous deployment of 5G through publicity and education,” the spokesman continued. Dimsum Daily