The Chief Executive in Council has approved an application from Hong Kong Cable Television Limited to transmit its service via satellite in addition to cable and microwave.

The Commerce, Industry & Technology Bureau said the decision is in line with the technology-neutral regulatory regime, under which television programme service providers have high flexibility in choosing the means of transmission.

The existing Cable TV network covers about 95% of households via cable and microwave transmission. Satellite transmission will make Cable TV's pay TV service available to residents in remote areas not covered by its existing network.

In May 2004, the Chief Executive in Council approved the renewal of Cable TV's domestic pay television programme service licence, which will expire on May 31, 2005, for 12 more years.

The current and renewed licences of the company will be amended accordingly to include satellite transmission as part of the transmission arrangements.