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A new chapter in the development of broadband communications services opens in Hong Kong as I-CABLE Communications Limited today announces the full commercial launch of its "Always On" Cable Broadband Service. i-Cable's Broadband Service is now available to 100,000 homes following the roll out of its service on Hong Kong Island today. The Company also launches a brand new broadband portal site - Wonderplace -- and unveils a virtual ambassador - Icy - who will be the cyber guide for web-surfers when they visit the site, at a colourful ceremony at Times Square in Causeway Bay today. The Director-General of Telecommunications, Anthony S.K. Wong and the Deputy Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of I-CABLE, Stephen T.H. Ng, officiated at the ceremony. They jointly touched a giant video screen at the venue, bringing Icy to life and signifying the launch of I-Cable's Cable Broadband Service to Hong Kong Island. Mr Ng said the ceremony today marked the full commercial launch of I-Cable's Cable Broadband Service. "It opens a new chapter in the development of broadband communications service in Hong Kong in that consumers will for the first time have a true alternative to services provided," he added. "There is already a pent-up demand for broadband services in Hong Kong. Backed up by our own physical and customer service infrastructure, we offer a broadband service through cutting edge technology provided by one of the leaders in cable modem technology. We are confident that our products will be welcomed in Hong Kong and will catch on like similar services in North America," Mr Ng added. He said that since the award of the FTNS licence in January, I-CABLE has been installing headend equipment to buildings throughout Hong Kong rapidly. "Close to 100,000 homes in 300 buildings have now been made cable modem ready. We target to extend our Broadband Service to one million homes in 4,000 buildings in various parts of the territory before the end of this year, making us the fastest roll-out cable modem service in Hong Kong," he added. Following the ceremony, residents of 300 buildings in some parts of the Mid-Levels, Wanchai, Central and Sai Ying Pun will be able to enjoy I-Cable's Cable Broadband Service. They join those already enjoying this service in Tsuen Wan, Shatin and Ma On Shan, Interested customers can call the Cable Multimedia Services Subscription hotline on 2112 8888 to register. I-Cable's "Always On" broadband access service will be charged at a flat monthly fee of $298, with no PNETS or usage charge. Installation is simple and customers will be provided with an installation kit when they purchase a cable modem at $1,890. Wonderplace, the innovative broadband site launched by I-CABLE today, will offer interactive content to give a totally new web-surfing experience to visitors. Web-surfers will be greeted by a three-dimensional virtual character - Icy - who will inform them of the weather condition as they log on to the site. Visitors can then select from a wide variety of innovative services and interactive applications provided by the site. A number of local celebrities have agreed to host live net-meetings on the site to interact with surfers. The broadband Internet access service of I-CABLE deploys 'cable modem' technology, which is the 'Broadband that is Always On', 24 hours a day, without users having to log on every time or to wait in line. The service has already proven to be very successful in North America, Europe and other parts of the world. In January, I-CABLE collected its FTNS licence from the Telecommunications Authority, thereby clearing the final hurdle to launch this long and eagerly-awaited service. In the same month, I-CABLE announced a technical partnership with Terayon Communication Systems, a leader in the supply of broadband technology based in Silicon Valley, to roll out broadband services in Hong Kong. I-CABLE serves more than 450,000 pay TV subscribers and over 150,000 Internet access customers. It is the sole pay TV operator and one of the largest ISPs (Internet service providers) in Hong Kong. I-CABLE is listed on both the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (stock code 1097) and Nasdaq (symbol ICAB). It is a 79.4% held subsidiary of The Wharf (Holdings) Limited, which is also listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (stock code 0004). |