Safety assured: Acting Financial Secretary Stephen Ip says a review will be conducted to improve network safety.

The Government will explore with cable operators, Internet service providers and telecommunications companies ways to improve network safety and keep the public informed of disruptions as quickly as possible, Acting Financial Secretary Stephen Ip says.

He told the press today the Office of the Telecommunications Authority will review with relevant parties contingency measures and information dissemination to the public in case of network breakdowns.

They will also consider alternatives for the backup system, such as satellite transmission and alternative cable routing.

Noting network safety is essential for Hong Kong's business activities, Mr Ip said: "It is important for cable operators, Internet service providers, telecommunications companies and OFTA to review and consider ways to improve the situation."

Room for improvement

Speaking on a talk show, Director-General of Telecommunications Au Man-ho said there is room for improving the notification mechanism. Internet service providers may be asked to report service disruptions as soon as possible, he added.

External telecommunications services in Hong Kong, including Internet access to overseas websites, IDD calls and roaming calls have been affected since the earthquakes in Taiwan on December 26 as a number of submarine cables passing over the earthquake region were damaged.

Mr Au said submarine cable operators have arranged urgent repairs. It is expected that some of the submarine cables will take at least five days to repair.