5G race gets twice the cash

The government has doubled its HK$50 million commitment to a subsidy scheme to further encourage early deployment of 5G technology.

The Subsidy Scheme for Encouraging Early Deployment of 5G under the Anti-epidemic Fund was launched last May to subsidize 50 percent of the costs relevant to the deployment of 5G technology in a project, subject to a cap of HK$500,000.

With the doubling of the fund to HK$100 million, an additional 100 projects could be subsidized, with the deadline for application being extended to the end of next July

The government has so far approved 103 applications since the scheme's launch, covering various projects such as remote mechanical maintenance, remote telemedicine application, 3D building information modelling in construction sites and 4K/8K live video broadcasting.

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau Tang-wah said yesterday that the 5G technology will bring revolutionary changes to our lives.

"With its high speed, low latency, high capacity and massive connectivity, 5G provides enormous potential for developing different business services and smart city applications," he said.

Yau said the 5G services in Hong Kong has had good progress as it has now covered more than 90 percent of Hong Kong's territories and up to 99 percent of some core business districts.

He said the progress has laid a solid foundation for the extensive application of 5G technology.

Precision Robotics, one of the subsidized companies that aims to develop surgical robots, said the scheme helped them develop smart surgery with 5G technology.

The company designed the first robotic endoscope with a real time 5G streaming system that allows doctors to see endoscopic images remotely during the surgery.

Hutchison Telecommunications said it helped firms develop 5G tech under the scheme. For example, it helped a mall install a robot that provides navigation services for the disabled. The robot can also send pictures to staff during emergencies.

It said the 5G technology also helped small firms sustain business during the pandemic, citing a textile company that it helped to make online virtual reality exhibits to showcase fabrics to foreign partners.

It also cooperated with the Chinese Orchestra to create a 4K resolution livestreamed performance with 5G technology, allowing the livestream to have a higher quality and better angles.