In respect of the speed and functionality of our infrastructure, broadband access is widely available. 1 Gbps and the average connection speed available is 1.5 Mbps. The affordability of their services has a direct effect on the penetration of the Internet. In Hong Kong, the ISP market is very competitive. There are now around 190 ISPs in operation in Hong Kong.
Consumers here enjoy the choice of a wide and sophisticated range of services at competitive prices.
A possible area for improvement, however, is related to customs clearance of shipments entering and leaving Hong Kong. At present, the customs environment is not fully paperless. To improve the efficiency of customs clearance of all cargo, the Customs and Excise Department is examining the feasibility of expanding the use of EDI in pre-clearance of sea and land cargo as well. The use of the Internet has become an integral part of our daily lives in Hong Kong over the last few years. The number of Internet users has grown in leaps and bounds and the Internet is also used for a wide variety of purposes.