The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) of Hong Kong has released Issue 3 of the HKCA 1056 specification in August 2026, updating the technical and evaluation requirements for Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) base stations, NB-IoT base stations, and repeaters.

This update clarifies the inclusion of NB-IoT base stations within the scope and consolidates the list of permitted operating frequency bands. The specification mandates compliance with relevant ETSI and 3GPP standards for technical performance, electromagnetic compatibility, and conformance testing.

The affected equipment must operate within specified paired frequency bands, including 703-748 MHz/758-803 MHz, 825-837.5 MHz/870-882.5 MHz, 880-915 MHz/925-960 MHz, 1710-1785 MHz/1805-1880 MHz, 1920-1980 MHz/2110-2170 MHz, and 2500-2570 MHz/2620-2690 MHz.

Certification under the Hong Kong Telecommunications Equipment Evaluation and Certification (HKTEC) Scheme is required for all covered equipment, with application and evaluation procedures detailed in OFCA information notes. The update ensures that local regulatory requirements remain aligned with international best practices and technological advancements.

Manufacturers, suppliers, and network operators must ensure their products meet the updated requirements before market entry or operation in Hong Kong. The changes reinforce the regulatory framework for telecommunications infrastructure and support the deployment of advanced LTE and IoT services.

Impact

Impact assessment: High.

Key reasons: The measure is final and mandatory, directly affecting certification and market access for LTE and NB-IoT base stations and repeaters.; It updates technical requirements and references to international standards (ETSI, 3GPP).; It clarifies and consolidates the list of permitted operating frequency bands.; Certification under the HKTEC Scheme is required for all affected equipment.

Who is affected?

Manufacturers, suppliers, importers, network operators, and certification bodies dealing with LTE/NB-IoT base stations and repeaters in Hong Kong.

Conclusion:

Immediate compliance action is required for all stakeholders to ensure continued market access and regulatory conformity.