Hong Kong to discontinue PHS

Frequencies will be shut down step-by-step beginning May 10.

The Hong Kong Communications Authority is withdrawing the licensing exemptions for Personal Handy Phone System equipment operating in the 1895 to 1906.1 MHz band in phases from 10 May.

The deployment of PHS in Hong Kong has not been as successful as expected, and PHS products are no longer available for sale in Hong Kong

Starting 10 May, PHS equipment may no longer be sold or imported in Hong Kong with penalties ranging from a HK$ 25,000 to HK$50,000 to imprisonment.

Residents currently using PHS equipment may continue to do so until May 9, 2016, however. After this three-year grace period, no person will be allowed to possess or use PHS equipment.

PHS, which is commercially branded as Xiaolingtong in Mainland China, is a mobile network system operating in the 1880 to 1930 MHz frequency band. It is used mainly in Japan, China and Taiwan.

PHS is basically a cordless telephone suitable for dense urban areas but impractical for rural areas. Its small cell size also makes it difficult, if not impossible, to make calls from fast moving vehicles.