The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) today (25 September 2020) reminded that the subsidy scheme to support upgrading of Satellite Master Antenna Television (SMATV) systems to operate in the 3.7 – 4.2 GHz band lasts until 26 November 2020. Eligible owners of SMATV systems who would like to apply for the subsidy should do so on or before the deadline. Late applications will not be accepted.
"The upgrade is necessary to ensure compatibility of the SMATV systems with the fifth generation mobile (5G) services operating in the adjacent frequency band that have been rolling out since 1 April 2020. In order for SMATV systems to co-exist with 5G networks and avoid any possible service disturbance, we urge SMATV owners who have yet to perform the necessary technical upgrade of their systems to take immediate action," a spokesman for OFCA said.
OFCA launched the subsidy scheme on 27 November 2019, with funding contributed by the four mobile network operators using the 3.4 - 3.6 GHz band to provide 5G services, and it is running for one year until 26 November 2020. According to the scheme, SMATV systems covered by existing SMATV licences on or before 28 March 2018 are eligible for receiving the subsidy. Owners of each eligible SMATV system may apply for a subsidy of HK$20,000 to support the upgrade of the SMATV system concerned. More information on the subsidy scheme can be found on OFCA's website.
For enquiries concerning the SMATV system upgrade and the subsidy scheme, please call the OFCA hotline at 8102 4387 or send an email to or a fax to 3155 0944.
Office of the Communications Authority
25 September 2020