Hong Kong regulator OFCA has introduced new rules to phase out the use of the Personal Handy Phone System (PHS) standard in the city, freeing up the spectrum for more effective uses.
The regulator revealed it will withdraw the licensing exemptions for PHS devices starting from next month.
This will allow the block of spectrum currently reserved for PHS - 1895-MHz to 1906.1-MHz - to be re-purposed.
PHS is a wireless standard invented in Japan, in use in Hong Kong mainly for cordless telephones. An OFCA spokesperson said PHS has not been much of a success in the market, with compatible products no longer available for sale.
The new rules mean nobody will be allowed to import PHS devices into Hong Kong or sell them in the local market.
People caught illegally importing PHS devices will face fines of up to HK$25,000 ($3,200) and 12 months in jail. The maximum penalties will be doubled for traders caught selling the devices.
Consumers still using PHS devices will be able to do so until May 2016. Past this point, owning or using such a device will be banned, and punishable by an up to HK$50,000 fine and up to two years in jail.