Blane
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After a two-year trial, Hutchison Global Communications (HGC) has launched a new type of broadband service for residences using the electricity supply network.
The Li Ka-shing fixed-line unit began to promote the PowerCom technology, owned by Cheung Kong (Holdings), after it bought out CLP Telecom in the summer. The service was launched last week in selective areas such as Whampoa Garden in Hunghom.
The service, a first for Asia, is an alternative way for users to access broadband, and poses a new threat in the already competitive broadband market. It offers 1.5 megabits per second service at a monthly cost of HK$138 (US$17.70) in a market with prices ranging from HK$68 (US$8.70) to over HK$200 (US$25.60). Users are required to lock into a seven-month contract in return for a modem, or power socket.
"This technology is now right for the Hong Kong market," said a HGC official. "We will launch in selective estates before a gradual launch in other parts of the territory."
HGC would use its brand name for marketing the PowerCom Internet technology, which transmitted data, voice, and image via the electricity supply network.
The official said HGC could provide a service of up to 10Mbps, leveraging on its fibre-optic network.
In August, Cheung Kong Enterprises, a joint venture between Cheung Kong and its associate Hongkong Electric Holdings, bought 81 percent of PowerCom Network Hong Kong from CLP Telecom.
As of the end of October, Hong Kong had 872,000 residential broadband users, up 46 percent from the beginning of the year.
The Li Ka-shing fixed-line unit began to promote the PowerCom technology, owned by Cheung Kong (Holdings), after it bought out CLP Telecom in the summer. The service was launched last week in selective areas such as Whampoa Garden in Hunghom.
The service, a first for Asia, is an alternative way for users to access broadband, and poses a new threat in the already competitive broadband market. It offers 1.5 megabits per second service at a monthly cost of HK$138 (US$17.70) in a market with prices ranging from HK$68 (US$8.70) to over HK$200 (US$25.60). Users are required to lock into a seven-month contract in return for a modem, or power socket.
"This technology is now right for the Hong Kong market," said a HGC official. "We will launch in selective estates before a gradual launch in other parts of the territory."
HGC would use its brand name for marketing the PowerCom Internet technology, which transmitted data, voice, and image via the electricity supply network.
The official said HGC could provide a service of up to 10Mbps, leveraging on its fibre-optic network.
In August, Cheung Kong Enterprises, a joint venture between Cheung Kong and its associate Hongkong Electric Holdings, bought 81 percent of PowerCom Network Hong Kong from CLP Telecom.
As of the end of October, Hong Kong had 872,000 residential broadband users, up 46 percent from the beginning of the year.
