Find out how 3G mobile players will be affected by latest reassignment

Existing paired 3G spectrum will expire.

The Communications Authority announced it will reassign 3G spectrum using a hybrid approach combining market-based and administrative assignment methods.

The existing assignments of 118.4MHz of paired 3G spectrum will expire in October 2016.

Under the hybrid approach, each of the four incumbent 3G mobile network operators - CSL, Hong Kong Telecommunications, Hutchison Telephone Company, and SmarTone Mobile Communications - will be offered the right of first refusal to be reassigned two-thirds of the 3G spectrum they currently hold.

The remaining spectrum will be reassigned by open auction, which is expected to take place in the fourth quarter next year.

In making its decision, the authority has considered statutory duty, spectrum management principles set out in the Radio Spectrum Policy Framework in 2007, public views through two rounds of consultation, consultancy study findings on service impact, the Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development's policy views, and its own independent assessment.