Hong Kong – The Broadcasting Authority and the Office of the Telecommunications Authority will be merged to form a unified regulator, announced Rita Lau, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development. According to Lau, forming the Communications Authority will facilitate efficient, effective and co-ordinated regulation as continuing advancements in technology, telecommunications and broadcasting are converging. The government will soon table a bill at the Legislative Council proposing to establish the new authority before proceeding to revise associated laws, including the Broadcasting Ordinance. Lau also said applications under the existing licensing and regulatory regime from any party which is interested in operating domestic free television services in Hong Kong are welcome.