The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) today (July 9) reminded consumers to be cautious about the use of mobile data roaming service while travelling abroad during the summer holidays so as to avoid "mobile bill shock", i.e. unexpectedly high mobile data roaming charges.

     "Smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are essentials for most consumers when they travel outside Hong Kong nowadays. Irrespective of the types of mobile devices they use, consumers are reminded that when accessing mobile data service outside Hong Kong, they would incur mobile data roaming charges which are in general a lot higher than local mobile data charges. In addition, downloading of large files/video clips, video streaming, access to mobile online games or automatic update of applications (apps) may consume unexpectedly large volumes of mobile data and result in a hefty bill," a spokesman for OFCA said.

     For their peace of mind when travelling abroad, OFCA advises consumers to consider adopting the following measures to avoid mobile bill shock:

     If mobile data roaming service is not required, consumers may:
 

• before leaving Hong Kong, disable both the mobile data service and data roaming service functions on their mobile devices; and
• request their operators to temporarily suspend mobile data roaming service before departure (currently, many operators can arrange suspension of roaming service for their customers, and some also allow suspension of mobile data roaming service while keeping voice roaming intact).

     If mobile data roaming service is required, consumers may:
 

• before departure, check with their operators the availability of mobile data roaming service and roaming partners available for their choice at the destination, as well as the details of the service charges;
• consider choosing a charge-capped data roaming service plan;
• when choosing a daily-rated data roaming service plan (day pass), be mindful of how the daily rate is charged, by checking its starting and ending time, whether the same charge applies to all destinations, and whether the plan is only applicable to a designated network;
• consider hiring pocket Wi-Fi devices or purchasing pre-paid SIM cards that can be used at the destination;
• while accessing the Internet or using apps via a Wi-Fi connection, check frequently to ensure that their mobile devices are not switched to mobile data services; and
• to avoid accidental use of mobile data roaming service, consider (a) deactivating the auto download or auto play functions for multimedia contents in some apps, especially social media apps; and (b) switching off the automatic update functions for emails, apps and other software.

     "At present, some operators will proactively activate the data roaming service for their customers. If consumers do not need the service, they should contact their operators to deactivate it so as to avoid using the data roaming service inadvertently. In some circumstances, such as upon arrival at the destinations, consumers may receive notifications generated by individual mobile apps, or greetings and promotional messages from the destination roaming operator or the home network operator, some of which may provide instructions that guide the consumers to select their suggested services. Consumers should be alert before responding to such instructions or click the hyperlinks provided, as mobile data connection may be activated upon such an act, and high data roaming charges may be incurred as a result," the spokesman added.

     Additional consumer alerts on smart use of mobile data roaming service and data roaming day passes can be accessed via the following links:
 

• www.ofca.gov.hk/en/consumer_focus/education_corner/alerts/mds/unexpected/index.html
• www.ofca.gov.hk/en/consumer_focus/education_corner/guide/advice_roaming/smart_use/index.html.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 9) that due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.

     The Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Stephen Phillips, today (July 9) embarked on visits to Tokyo, Japan and Seoul, Korea to update the local business communities on the opportunities Hong Kong has to offer in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area (Bay Area) development.

     Mr Phillips will speak at two seminars. The first seminar, entitled "'Belt and Road' and 'Greater Bay Area' Initiatives – Hong Kong's Important Role and Business Opportunities for Japanese Companies" is jointly organised by Invest Hong Kong and Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo and will take place on July 11. On July 12, he will speak at a seminar in Seoul entitled "Smart Innovative Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area", organised in collaboration with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). During his stay in the two cities, Mr Phillips will also meet with business leaders from a wide range of sectors.

     Speaking of the upcoming event, the Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative, Tokyo, Ms Shirley Yung, said, "Hong Kong has maintained very close and friendly relationships with Japan and Korea for many years. Through the two seminars in Tokyo and Seoul, we hope that Japanese and Korean companies will gain a better understanding of Hong Kong's many advantages and opportunities, and leverage on Hong Kong's strategic location to further expand their businesses."

     Mr Phillips said, "Hong Kong sees unprecedented business opportunities lying ahead in the context of China's Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development strategy. This is the most opportune time for foreign investors to come and leverage Hong Kong's advantages to drive business growth arising from these huge opportunities."

     The Belt and Road Initiative offers the long-term prospect of transnational and intercontinental connectivity, and will give rise to rewarding business prospects including new air, sea and land routes, additional ports, rails and roads connecting different regions, economic and trade pacts, and increased investment flow.

     The Bay Area will serve as a powerful connection point for the Belt and Road. A cluster of nine flourishing cities in Guangdong Province together with Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, the Bay Area has a collective population of over 68 million and a combined GDP of some US$1.5 trillion.

     The "one country, two systems" arrangement ensures that Hong Kong retains its enduring advantages, including the rule of law and the independence of judiciary, free market mechanism, low tax regime, free flow of capital and information. "This makes Hong Kong an international city in China that can help connect the country with the rest of the world," Mr Phillips said.

     He noted that the city can also help the country's drive to become a leading technology nation, especially in the context of the Bay Area development. Hong Kong has a very strong research and development capacity, which combined with Shenzhen's advanced manufacturing, will turn the Bay Area into an international innovation and technology hub, he said.

About Invest Hong Kong

     Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to attract foreign direct investment and support overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services for overseas and Mainland companies enrolled as its clients. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 9) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Stanley Main Beach, Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; Clear Water Bay First Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     The Consul-General of the Philippines in Hong Kong, Mr Antonio Morales, and the Director of Fire Services, Mr Li Kin-yat, officiated at the launch ceremony of the "Fire Safety x Press to Shock, Save a Life" training programme today (July 8) at Sheung Wan Fire Station.

     The programme is jointly organised by the Fire Services Department (FSD), the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong and the Domestic Workers Empowerment Project.

     Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Li said one of the programmes to enhance fire safety awareness is the Fire Safety Ambassador Scheme. "To ensure that different ethnic communities know the important fire safety messages, we have conducted tailor-made fire safety programmes for them and prepared the pamphlets 'Fire Escape' and 'Fire Prevention in Home' in different languages."

     "FSD has launched the 'Press to Shock, Save a Life' training programme last year, which aimed to encourage the public to help save life by performing cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using automated external defibrillator (AED) before the arrival of ambulance crew. Members of the public are encouraged to take part in the training programme since early defibrillation and CPR can enhance the chance of survival. Foreign domestic helpers play an essential role in providing home care service to children and the elderly in local households. As members of many households in Hong Kong, they can contribute greatly in enhancing fire safety and the emergency resuscitation of cardiac arrest patients," he added.

     Mr Morales pointed out that, as carers and first responders in many homes in Hong Kong, household service helpers play a critical role in saving lives. "This training programme will help equip them with basic rescue and safety skills, and will make them more effective and competent helpers," he said.

     The ceremony attracted about 100 foreign domestic helpers. Many of them took the opportunity to try out the use of fire extinguishers and perform CPR. The programme is expected to provide training to about 600 foreign domestic helpers by the end of this year.