Four consortia have applied for the licence to operate Hong Kong’s first cable TV system. Hutchison CableVision Ltd, had already announced its intention to bid, and the February 28 deadline also witnessed applications from Hong Kong Cable Communications Ltd, Supertech International Resources Corp, and Sun Hung Kai & Co and partners. Hutchison CableVision is 50% held by Hutchison CableVision Ltd and Cavendish International Holdings Ltd; the other major partner is British Telecommunications Plc, with 24%; AT&T Co and Kokusai Denshin Denwa Ltd are among Hutchison’s advisors. The Hong Kong Cable Communications consortium is led by Sir Y K Pao’s Wharf Holdings Ltd, with a 28% stake; US West Inc is the third largest holder with 25%, while Belgian cable TV operator Coditel SA has 10%. Supertech International comprises the US’s America Supertech International Resources Corp, Shanghai Offshore Petroleum Engineering Corp of China, and a number of Chinese government departments. Sun Hung Kai is seeking the franchise with three large property developers, New World Development Co, Hang Lung Development Co and Henderson Land Co. The British Crown Colony’s government is expected to pick the winner and announce the result by August.
