Speech by Mr. Duncan PESCOD, JP Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology) at the Hong Kong Computer Society Gala Dinner cum Hong Kong International Computer Conference Dinner
26 September 2008

Mr. (Sunny) LEE, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening! It is a great pleasure to be invited to join you for the Hong Kong Computer Society Gala Dinner and the Hong Kong International Computer Conference Dinner. Two meals in one event - I am impressed!

First of all, I would like to congratulate the Hong Kong Computer Society on the success of the Hong Kong International Computer Conference 2008. I am sure all of you have benefited from the insight that the distinguished local and overseas speakers have given into new trends and the future digital innovation and technologies. It seems only appropriate that I also take this opportunity to share with you Government's efforts in this regard, in particular those in support of the development of wireless and mobile telecommunications technology and innovative applications in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong has one of the most sophisticated broadband infrastructures in the world. Our broadband networks cover virtually all commercial buildings and households. Even in the rather remote location that I live, I have broadband, albeit not the highest speeds possible in town. Mind you, that is still much higher than the typical broadband speed in Belgium, where I was posted for the last few years. Such high penetration rates together with the high bandwidth of most broadband services in Hong Kong provide good opportunities for the development of innovative digital home applications. Indeed, I am told we lead the world in respect of, for example, broadband TV. According to the annual E-Readiness Rankings Report in 2008 published by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Hong Kong ranked the top in Asia-Pacific in terms of connectivity and technology infrastructure.

Technology convergence is removing the boundaries between traditional communication channels and enabling seamless mobility for users between fixed, wireless and cellular networks. We are seeing more and more examples of integrated services being delivered by telecommunications operators, content providers and application service providers. This in turn has helped bring about new business opportunities, allow for creative working models for enterprises and perhaps most important of all is undoubtedly going to result in a better quality of life for connected citizens.

Riding on technological convergence and the rapid development of wireless/mobile telecommunications infrastructure in Hong Kong, Hong Kong has the prospect of becoming a "Wireless City" where people can access to information and services that they need in an efficient and convenient manner. We were one of the first cities in the world to have ubiquitous coverage of 3G mobile services. We are seeing rapid growth in the development of public WiFi services. There are now more than 7 360 hotspots available in Hong Kong and more are being added every day. Government has also made a contribution, with the launch of the Government Wi-Fi Programme in 2007 to provide free public Wi-Fi services at some 350 government venues. We commenced the service rollout in March this year and now provide free GovWiFi services at over 120 government premises. We will continue to expand the service to another 230 premises by mid 2009.

The development of Hong Kong's wireless infrastructure and the strong social and cultural willingness to adopt the myriad opportunities offered by the internet also provide a good foundation for the development of innovative applications in Hong Kong. One of the many Government initiatives is to encourage such technological innovation to facilitate the development of innovative Wi-Fi applications. We have provided sponsorship to a project named "Ubiquitous City - HK" initiated by the industry in November 2007 which aims to provide incentives to industry players to develop applications and content to ride on the Wi-Fi networks in Hong Kong. Four such applications have already been developed and we expect many more to emerge from this project.

I want to go back to one point that I made earlier in my remarks this evening. I talked about the benefits that will flow to all connected citizens as we develop new services on the new platforms. But what about those who, for one reason or another are not connected yet. We absolutely must not leave them behind.

For this reason, Government is finalising plans for community cyber centres to provide ready access for all. We are also working with industry bodies to educate the educators - younger people who can help their parents or grandparents gain access to the enormous potential of the internet. A true connected city is one where everyone has the chance to join in.

I can categorically pledge that Government will continue to facilitate further development of the market by sustaining a stable, conducive and fair business and regulatory environment with a well-established ICT infrastructure. The industry should take full advantages of this to develop and deliver new, innovative and attractive services in Hong Kong.

Let me end with one of my favourite quotes from the world of technology. I am sure you will recognise it. I use it here as a gentle reminder that we can never really know what lies ahead. In 1943 Thomas Watson Chairman of IBM said "I think there is a world market for maybe five computers". He might have benefited from the wise remarks by that comic genius Calvin of Calvin and Hobbes fame. He said "I'm not dumb, I just have a command of thoroughly useless information!"

Thank you.

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