The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) advises that, with the massive roll out of the fifth generation mobile (5G) network in the 3.4 – 3.6 GHz band ("3.5 GHz band") from 1 April 2020, the reception of satellite TV programmes by occupants in buildings/estates via existing Satellite Master Antenna Television (SMATV) systems which are not equipped with the necessary upgrade might be adversely affected.

In March 2018, the Communications Authority (CA) decided that the frequency allocation of the 3.4 – 3.7 GHz band will be changed from satellite services to mobile services after a notice period of two years and with effect from 1 April 2020. Thereafter, SMATV systems should only operate in the 3.7 – 4.2 GHz band and they must be equipped with the necessary upgrade for coexistence with 5G networks operating in the 3.5 GHz band. OFCA already issued an information note outlining the baseline requirements for upgrading of SMATV systems in March 2018. In this regard, OFCA once again reminds contractors and owners of SMATV systems to perform the necessary upgrade in a timely manner. A subsidy scheme has been launched by OFCA to support the upgrade of eligible SMATV systems.

Users/Viewers of the affected SMATV systems could contact their building management offices or owners corporations to find out if the specific SMATV system serving their buildings/estates has been upgraded in order to ensure continued reception of the SMATV services. For any enquiry on the matter, please call OFCA hotline at 8102 4387 for advice.