Hong Kong National Frequency Allocation Summary
The Hong Kong Table of Frequency Allocations, published by the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA), defines the usage of the radio spectrum in accordance with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Region 3 allocations. For manufacturers and type approval service providers, the plan identifies spectrum for common consumer and industrial radio devices through specific remarks—most notably Note "J", which indicates bands shared under exemption orders or class licenses.
Commonly Used Bands for Type Approval
Short Range Devices (SRDs) and ISM: Standard harmonized bands such as 13.56 MHz, 27 MHz (CB Radio), and 40.68 MHz are designated for Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) applications. The 433.05–434.79 MHz band is specifically allocated for SRDs under license-exempt conditions.
WiFi and Bluetooth: These technologies operate primarily in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Specifically, the 5150–5350 MHz range is allocated for telecommunications apparatus (WiFi), subject to technical conditions defined in the Exemption from Licensing Order. The 5725–5850 MHz band is also heavily utilized for ISM and mobile applications, including WiFi and Bluetooth.
Cellular and IMT: Significant portions of the spectrum are allocated for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) and Public Mobile Services, including the 700 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and the 3.3–3.6 GHz bands. High-frequency 5G (mmWave) is identified in the 24.25–27.5 GHz range.
High-Frequency Applications: The 57–66 GHz band is identified for 60 GHz wireless devices. Automotive radar systems are supported in the 76–77 GHz and 77–81 GHz bands.
Technical Restrictions and Requirements
Power Limits: Specific ERP (Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power) limits are enforced for license-exempt devices. For example, wireless microphones in the 174–175 MHz band are restricted to 20 mW ERP with a 75 kHz channel spacing. Amateur services in the 5351.5–5366.5 kHz band are capped at 15 W EIRP.
Bandwidth and Emission: Many bands require strict adherence to channel spacing (e.g., 12.5 kHz or 25 kHz for Land Mobile systems) and digital modulation standards (e.g., National Standard GB20600-2006 for television broadcasting).
Prohibited Emissions: Bands marked with Note "A" (e.g., 1400–1427 MHz and 2690–2700 MHz) strictly prohibit all radio emissions to protect passive services like radio astronomy and space research.
Coordination and Utilization Status
Government Use: Bands marked with Note "C" are strictly reserved for Government use, and no non-government assignments will be made.
Coordination: Satellite services (space-to-Earth) in various bands require coordination to prevent interference with fixed and mobile services. Broadcasters sharing frequencies (Note "L") must adhere to Article 12 of the Radio Regulations regarding international coordination.
Spectrum Availability: The plan uses specific legends (D, E, F, K) to indicate spectrum congestion. Manufacturers should note that bands marked "E" have no vacant channels, while "K" indicates the band is currently vacant and available for new assignments.
This plan aligns with decisions made at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23). Revisions to Region 3 allocations effective from January 1, 2025, are integrated, particularly affecting Earth exploration-satellite (active) and space research services in the 40–50 MHz and various GHz ranges.
