Restrictions on use of 3.5 GHz band to operate 5G radio base stations in Tai Po to be lifted on October 30

     The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) announced today (October 28) that the restrictions on operating fifth generation (5G) radio base stations using the 3.5 GHz band in Tai Po will be lifted on October 30. Mobile network operators (MNOs) can apply to the Communications Authority through the established procedure for using the 3.5 GHz band to set up and operate 5G radio base stations in Tai Po, further enhancing the capacity and speed of 5G services in the area.

     "The 3.5 GHz band is one of the main spectrums used for the provision of 5G services, offering excellent radio propagation characteristics that support high-speed, stable and extensive mobile data transmission. With the lifting of restrictions, MNOs will be able to utilise the radio spectrum in the band more fully and effectively for the provision of mobile network services to better meet the public's demand for high-speed and reliable mobile services," a spokesman for OFCA said.

     In the past, given the presence of earth stations for telemetry, tracking and control of satellites in orbit (TT&C stations) operating in the 3.5 GHz band in Tai Po, MNOs were restricted from operating 5G radio base stations in the 3.5 GHz band in the area to avoid interference. To enhance the quality of 5G services in Tai Po, with OFCA's proactive co-ordination, some of the TT&C stations have been relocated from Tai Po to Chung Hom Kok Teleport, while band-pass filters have been installed on those remaining in Tai Po to prevent radio interference.