To further encourage the public and private sectors to deploy 5G technology and foster innovation, the Government has increased funding earmarked for the Subsidy Scheme for Encouraging Early Deployment of 5G under the Anti-epidemic Fund from $50 million to $100 million. The deadline for application will also be extended to July 31, 2022. This would accommodate about 100 additional projects.
The Scheme subsidises 50 per cent of the costs relevant to the deployment of 5G technology in a project, subject to a cap of $500,000. Since its launch in May 2020, the Government has received an enthusiastic response, and has approved 103 applications, covering innovative applications in various aspects and sectors such as remote mechanical maintenance, remote telemedicine application, 3D building information modelling in construction sites and 4K/8K live video broadcasting.
"With its edge of high speed, low latency, high capacity and massive connectivity, 5G provides enormous potential for developing different business services and smart city applications, including smart homes, e-commerce, remote surgery operation, autonomous driving, and is set to bring revolutionary changes to our future lives," the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, said.
"Within a year since its launch last April, 5G services in Hong Kong now cover more than 90 per cent of the territories and up to 99 per cent of some core business districts. The good progress has laid a solid foundation for its extensive application. The Government will continue its efforts in promoting 5G development, which includes supplying spectrum to the market in a timely manner, facilitating installation of base stations and promoting its application and popularisation," he said.
Details of the Scheme and the application form are available on the website of the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) (www.ofca.gov.hk/en/industry_focus/industry_focus/5g_subsidy/index.html). Enquiries can be made by phone at 2961 6333 or email at 5g-subsidy@ofca.gov.hk.
In April this year, the Government organised an online-offline seminar to introduce approved projects under the Subsidy Scheme. Highlights of the seminar and project videos are available on OFCA's website.
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