The Office of the Telecommunications Authority will consider the creation of a 'unified' carrier licence in its upcoming review of telecommunication regulations, Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang says.

He said today that with developments in convergence technologies and standards, the demarcation between fixed and mobile telecommunications markets is blurring, and significant change in the structure of the telecommunications industry in the near future is expected.

"From a policy perspective, our challenge is to remove policy and regulatory uncertainties so existing players and potential entrants could make informed investment decisions. We will maintain our technology-neutral approach and allow market forces to decide on the most suitable technologies and standards to meet customer needs," he said, adding the office will review licensing and interconnection charging arrangements, and phone number portability.

4 considerations

Licensing arrangements have to consider:

* whether a new type of carrier licence, such as a 'unified' carrier licence, be created;

* what specific rights and obligations should be attached to this proposed licence;

* whether existing fixed or mobile carrier licensees should be allowed to migrate to this new 'unified' carrier licence; and if so,

* what are the appropriate transition arrangements.

Owing to the converging environment between the two markets, there is a need to review the current interconnection charging arrangement between fixed and mobile carriers, he said, adding a consultancy study on this will be conducted in the coming months, followed by a public consultation. A basket of measures to combat spamming will also be considered.

Mr Tsang added the study on interconnection charge will also look into fixed and mobile number portability.