Hong Kong: Updates and projections for Hong Kong’s telecom and cybersecurity regime going into 2026

This article covers the key developments in Hong Kong’s telecommunications and cybersecurity sectors in 2025 and highlights the upcoming projections for 2026.

1. Cybersecurity Ordinance for designated critical infrastructure operators

The Protection of Critical Infrastructure (Computer Systems) Ordinance was passed in March 2025 and will take effect from 1 January 2026. The Ordinance will impose obligations on designated infrastructure operators (CIOs) from eight different sectors to secure their critical computer systems. 

The Ordinance will be enforced by the newly established Office of the Commissioner of Critical Infrastructure. Working alongside sectoral regulators (e.g. telecommunications and banking regulatory authorities), the Commissioner will designate CIOs, monitor their compliance with the Ordinance, issue codes of practice, and serve as the primary authority for which security incidents should be reported to. The Government is currently finalising the relevant codes of practice for the relevant essential services sectors which will serve as practical guidance for compliance going into 2026. Further industry specific codes of practice for the telecoms and banking industries are expected. 

2. 6G mobile developments

Hong Kong has been at the forefront of 6G development since 2024, being the first economy to auction spectrum in the 6/7 GHz band in November of 2024. In May 2025, the Hong Kong Communications Authority hosted the 6G Global Summit which featured panel discussions on the technology’s standardisations, innovations, sustainability and potential applications. To ensure spectrum supply, the Government also conducted another round of auctions for 50 MHz of spectrum in the 2.5/2.6 GHz band in October 2025 which would be able to support advanced applications of communications technology including 6G.

Going into 2026, Hong Kong is expected to keep building on its existing position with leading 5G availability in the Asia-Pacific region, and continue its investment and research efforts to become a central hub for 6G technology in the China Greater Bay Area and Asia-Pacific.

3. Proposed amendments to the SIM card real-name registration system

Phone scam calls have remained prevalent in Hong Kong, with almost 5,000 cases totalling losses of over HK$5 billion in the first eight months of 2025. In July 2025, proposals have been submitted to the Legislative Council to amend the Telecommunications (Registration of SIM Cards) Regulation (Cap. 106AI). The amendments would reduce the number of prepaid SIM cards available for individual users (from 10 to 3) and introduce new criminal offences under the regulations. 

With the Legislative Council elections in Hong Kong concluded in December 2025, the region’s lawmakers are expected to consider the proposed amendments in 2026 and it remains yet to be observed if new legislative efforts will be effective in curbing the prevalence of deception cases in the region.

4. Low altitude economy (LAE)

Hong Kong has been actively developing its Low Altitude Economy (LAE) since 2024. In 2025, the Government launched a Regulatory Sandbox to test applications such as emergency response, logistics, and surveillance. The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address outlined an action plan to strengthen civil aviation laws and introduce dedicated legislation for unconventional aircraft over 150 kilograms. The plan also includes infrastructure measures like spectrum allocation, vertiports, air route networks, and smart traffic systems. On 14 December 2025, officials announced plans to deploy passenger-carrying drones within two to three years, reinforcing Hong Kong’s ambition to become a regional LAE hub. Going into 2026, we can look out for Hong Kong’s continued efforts to drive its initiative to become a regional hub for LAE.

5. Low earth orbit (LEO) satellite licence

Following the Chief Executive Policy Address in 2025, the Hong Kong Commerce and Economic Development Bureau has briefed the Legislative Council in September 2025 on its plans of exploring ways to streamline the vetting procedures of licence applications for operating LEO satellites. 

In 2026, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau is expected to complete and announce findings of the relevant study to streamline the licence application process for LEO satellites. Going forward, a streamlined licensing regime would be expected to attract businesses to Hong Kong and develop commercial aerospace services.