Keeping connected: Acting Financial Secretary Stephen Ip says a review will be conducted to improve telecommunication network safety.

Acting Financial Secretary Stephen Ip says 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.

He said today the Office of the Telecommunications Authority will review contingency measures and information dissemination to the public in case of network breakdowns. They will also consider backup system alternatives, 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

Director-General of Telecommunications Au Man-ho said the notification system between the Government and service providers does not include the failure of submarine cable systems. He said the authority will discuss with service providers the conditions under which they are required to report service disruptions.

Six out of the seven main submarine cable systems in the Luzon Strait were damaged during the earthquake, which account for 90% of Hong Kong's total capacity, affecting connections to Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and North America.

Due to the damage, all external telecommunications services - including IDD calls, roaming calls and Internet access to overseas' sites - have been seriously affected. It has not affected local telecom services.

He said operators have implemented contingency plans and arranged re-routing of the traffic via other cables still in service. However, Internet access to overseas websites is congested. Voice call services, including IDD calls and roaming calls, to most jurisdictions are nearly back to normal.

Two submarine cable-maintenance ships from Singapore and the Philippines are heading to the scene. Three more will depart today. It usually takes about five to seven days to repair the cables.