Demand for Resolution of Internet Border Issues in Hong Kong and Safeguarding Rural Regions
Enhancing internet connectivity and fostering environmental consciousness are proposed solutions for Hong Kong authorities, based on experimental lessons during this year's "Labour Day" holiday.
The advice follows tourists facing issues with QR code ticket generation due to network congestion and littering in country parks, both issues occurring during the busy five-day holiday. The MTR Corporation revealed that the mobile data and complimentary Wi-Fi at Lok Ma Chau station were overwhelmed by Friday's high traffic, as depicted in social media posts showing tourists cramped in the station.
Subsequently, passengers endured delays whilst using their smartphones to generate QR codes from various payment platforms. The MTR Corp confirmed they had liaised with their network provider to boost mobile data capacity and doubled the Wi-Fi capacity.
Lawmaker Gary Zhang Xinyu, an engineer previously stationed at the MTR Corp, expressed shock and dismay over the situation, considering the widespread use of digital payments.
To address these challenges, several strategic measures can be implemented:
Internet Connectivity Improvements- Harness AI-driven 5G-Advanced networks to cope with the dense user population at border checkpoints, as observed in mainland China's AI-assisted network optimization and energy-efficient strategies.- Expand satellite and fiber-optic infrastructure in rural areas, employing tactics similar to the Philippines' National Broadband Plan for dependable connectivity facilitating telemedicine and e-commerce.- Adhere to "E-Banking Security ABC" principles (Authenticate in-App, Bye to unused functions, Cancel suspicious payments) to enhance security during surges in digital transactions.
Environmental Sustainability Strategies- Institute smart traffic management systems at border checkpoints to lessen idling vehicles and alleviate traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.- Deploy green public Wi-Fi infrastructure in rural tourism hubs, energized by renewable sources to minimize electronic waste with modular designs.- Implement tourist education programs via connectivity platforms to popularize eco-friendly practices, such as waste reduction.
Public-Private Collaborations- Adapt the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project (PDIP) model using international loans to fund mutual connectivity and green technology deployments.- Integrate cybersecurity frameworks (like Hong Kong's new critical infrastructure law) into network expansions to safeguard environmental monitoring systems against data breaches.
Monitoring and Evaluation- Utilize AI-powered data tools to assess tourist footfall's impact on connectivity and ecosystems, providing insights for future predictive infrastructure upgrades.- Establish cross-departmental task forces to synchronize connectivity projects (e.g., promotion of 772 free Wi-Fi sites like in Mindanao) with carbon neutrality goals for rural areas.
These measures prioritize scalable, secure digital infrastructure while minimizing tourism-generated environmental stress.
- Lawmaker Gary Zhang Xinyu, former MTR Corp engineer, was dismayed by the mobile data congestion during the holiday, despite the wide use of digital payments.
- To enhance internet connectivity in rural areas, it's proposed to expand satellite and fiber-optic infrastructure, emulating the Philippines' Nation Broadband Plan for reliable connectivity.
- Environmental sustainability can be improved by implementing smart traffic management systems at border checkpoints, which can help reduce idling vehicles and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Public-private collaborations, such as adopting the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project (PDIP) model, can fund connectivity and green technology deployments, using international loans.
- Utilizing AI-powered data tools can provide insights into tourist footfall's impact on connectivity and ecosystems, aiding in future predictive infrastructure upgrades and the synchronized achievement of carbon neutrality goals for rural areas.
