PCCW, the incumbent carrier in Hong Kong, launched a “Convergence” hosted IP telephony service that features a single inbox for email, voicemail or fax, click-to-call, click-to-conference, intelligent call routing and screening, IP phone access, softphone access, and full standard telephone features and IDD services. The service initially supports H.323 and will soon support SIP. It also integrates with Microsoft Outlook and Messenger buddy lists. The user interface is provided in both Chinese and English. PCCW Convergence is offered in two packages – a standard offering at HK$188 (US$24.23) per month per user and a premium package at HK$328 ($42.28).
PCCW also announced that in the four months since launching its New Generation fixed-line services, which use “big-screen” phones to support information services such as SMS to other fixed-line phones and mobiles, more than 550,000 lines have been activated. The company estimates that 25% of its residential lines and 40% of its business lines will be New Generation fixed lines by year-end.
Meanwhile, PCCW’s “now Broadband TV” service is attracting about 2,000 new sign-ups per day. The company currently has 150,000 TV-over-DSL users and is expecting to have 200,000 per year end and 350,000 by mid-year 2004. Following the introduction of the service, PCCW experienced a significant jump in its broadband DSL growth rate due to customers joining in order to receive the “now Broadband TV” service. The company said 25% of “now Broadband TV” customers are new to its broadband service.
http://www.pccw-convergence.com/
- In August, Hong Kong’s PCCW Limited unveiled a new pay-TV service delivered over its broadband ADSL network using IP multicast technology. The new Broadband TV service will carry feature films, regional and international news, documentaries, music, sports, health, fashion, travel and children’s programming. Content agreements have been signed with 23 major channels. PCCW said it is network is capable of delivering DVD-quality video to all locations in Hong Kong. At the customer home, digital decoder set-top box is connected via Ethernet cable to the ADSL modem. PCCW is using encryption for its Broadband TV service. A Conditional Access Unit at the core of the network ensures secure access to the system, protects content from piracy and allows customers to subscribe to channels online. PCCW has applied for a patent for its secure access technology. PCCW will promote the new Broadband TV service through an advertising campaign as well as through its 21 retail outlets throughout Hong Kong. PCCW is also featuring a flexible pricing model at rates of HKG$15 to HKG$35 per month per channel selected. Channels can be added or dropped using on-screen menus and the remote control.
- PCCW holds the market-leading position in communications in Hong Kong. The company originated from the merger of Hong Kong Telecommunications Limited (Hongkong Telecom) and Hong Kong Telephone and Cable & Wireless HKT International in 1988. The company was later renamed Cable & Wireless HKT. In August 2000, Pacific Century CyberWorks (PCCW) acquired Cable & Wireless HKT for US$29 billion.