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■數碼聲音廣播服務啟動後，市民只要擁有數碼廣播收音機，即可收聽音質媲美鐳射唱片的聲音頻道。 資料圖片
港府在11月初批准3家機構開辦數碼聲音廣播服務，投資額合共近10億元，提供13條數碼廣播頻道，料2012年中提供服務；香港電台亦會同時開展數碼廣播。
發展數碼廣播不僅是國際社會的大勢所趨，更可為市民提供更多元化及高質素的節目，提升本港作為國際金融及資訊中心的競爭力。不過，數碼廣播頻譜是社會的珍貴資源，當局審批申請機構必須從嚴把關，確保機構的資金技術符合質素要求。同時，當局應在政策及技術支援上提供配套，讓數碼廣播能夠在本港落地生根。
本港現時只有3間電台合共提供13條廣播頻道，相對外國一些城市動輒有數十個電台廣播，本港明顯是遠遠落後。然而，本港受制於有限頻譜資源，實在難以在現有的頻譜上容納更多的電台參與廣播，所以，發展數碼廣播便成為本港開放大氣電波的必經之路。事實上，電台廣播走向數碼化，是全球大趨勢，目前已有逾20個國家及地區提供數碼廣播服務，例如英國早在上世紀90年代已發展數碼聲音廣播服務，普及率達27%。本港過去的一大優勢在於資訊的即時流通，現時的廣播頻道已難以應付日趨激烈的資訊競爭，所以更要急起直追，保持在通訊科技上的競爭力。
Quality and not just quantity is crucial to the development of digital broadcasting
In early November, the HKSAR government granted approval to the provision of digital sound broadcasting services run by 3 operators. The total investment for the 13 digital broadcasting frequencies is nearly HK$1 billion and it is expected that these frequencies will be put into service by mid-2012. The Radio and Television Hong Kong (RTHK) will then launch its digital broadcasting services as well.
The introduction of digital broadcasting will bring Hong Kong in line with the world; besides, the technology can also provide a wider diversity of high quality programmes to the people and enhance the competitiveness of Hong Kong as an international financial and information centre. Digital broadcasting spectrums are valuable social assets, and the authorities, being a gatekeeper, must stringently evaluate the applicants to ensure that financial strength and technical capabilities of these operators meet the required standards. At the same time, the authorities should also provide the necessary policies and technical support to help digital broadcasting take root and flourish in Hong Kong.
There are currently in Hong Kong 3 radio stations operating a total of 13 frequencies. Compared with some foreign cities where it is quite common to have several dozens of frequencies in operation, Hong Kong is obviously lagging far behind. Due to constraints of the limited spectrum supply, it is impossible for Hong Kong to use the existing spectrum to accommodate more radio stations to offer broadcasting services. Therefore, the introduction of digital broadcasting is a must for Hong Kong to open up airwaves to more operators. As a matter of fact, digital sound broadcasting is a global trend and at present more than 20 countries and regions are providing digital broadcasting services. For instance, the UK started digital broadcasting as early as the 1990s and has achieved a penetration of 27%. Real-time transmission of information has been one great advantage of Hong Kong throughout the years. Today, the existing broadcasting frequencies can no longer cope with the increasingly fierce competitions in information services and that is why Hong Kong must catch up as soon as possible so as to maintain her competitiveness in the area of communication technology.
■translation by開明
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