From Monopoly To Competition: The Evolution Of Hong Kong's Communication And Communication Integration Regulation

Before the media convergence took place, Hong Kong communication industry has been separately regulated. Broadcasting and television industry mainly regulated by Broadcasting Authority, telecommunication industry mainly regulated by the Office of Telecommunications. Free to air TV and pay-TV in Hong Kong were dominated by oligopolies, lacking of competition made the broadcasting and television industry not fully developed. Telecommunication market has been opened up for competition gradually,but it's effect isn't satisfying.With the emergence of media convergence,the industry boundary becoming blurry.Telecommunication operators begin launching pay-TV service, television license carrier also can offer telecommunication service. Media convergence made separate regulation arose many problems, just like multi-channel management, low efficiency and lack of uniform standards. In 2006, the government of HKSAR conduct a public consulting aimed at setting up a unified Bureau called Communications Authority(CA).After legislation and discussion of Legislative Council, the CA has been set up in April 2012.After the CA been set up, the free to air TV, pay TV and mobile TV market has been opened for competition gradually, the telecommunication industry opened for competition completely. The major measure is to increase licenses, practicing the market oriented principle of the survival of the fittest. The measure offered more choice to citizens, made the lifeless TV market glow new vitality.In this paper, I will use the literature analysis, historical research and case analysis to describe the process of convergence regulation in the communication industry in Hong Kong, analysis the effect of regulation of CA. I will use the before establishment of CA-how does the CAbeen set up-what effect has Communication Authority bring to communication industry as the logic main line. I will analyse the positive and negative effect of Communication Authority in detail, rethink the problems in this process, and I hope this will help a little in the convergence regulation in China's communication industry.