Hong Kong to receive applications from new fixed line providers this yr

HONG KONG (AFX-ASIA) - Secretary for Information Technology and Broadcasting Carrie Yau said the government will start receiving applications from potential telecommunication service providers this year offering fixed line services in Hong Kong.	    Yau told reporters at the unveiling of the government's revised strategy for Hong Kong's information technology development that she expects the new fixed line service providers will roll out their services in early 2003.	    Asked about PCCW's market share of over 90 pct of the fixed line business, Yau said the government respects market competition and will not intervene unless there are anti-competitive activities.	    Under the government's revised development plan, Yau said the government will spend 1.6 bln hkd for computerisation projects to develop electronic government services.	    Deputy secretary for Information Technology and Broadcasting Alan Siu said the government is hoping to provide 90 pct of government public services through electronic options by the end of 2003.	    Siu said the government expects to conduct 80 pct of its procurement tendering electronically by the end of 2003.	    Siu said the government will review electronic transactions ordinance by the end of this year. 

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