The local broadband market has exploded into a new spring price war, offering routers and cash vouchers at prices "lower than the official prices."

During the Lunar New Year period, the broadband market in Hong Kong has sparked a price war, with major service providers launching limited-time offers targeting public housing and Home Ownership Scheme users, with the monthly fee for 1000M (gigabit) fiber broadband dropping to as low as HKD 75. Several operators have introduced plans with monthly fees of HKD 98 or below, along with gifts such as routers, memberships, or cash vouchers. Journalists found that there is still considerable room for negotiation on the offers from various merchants, for example, Hong Kong Broadband Network (HKBN) offers a monthly fee as low as HKD 88 for public housing, lower than the official pricing, reflecting the intense competition for customers. Hong Kong Broadband Network Launches Multiple "Flash Offers" Hong Kong Broadband Network has launched several "flash offers," with its 1000M fiber internet monthly fee set at HKD 98, with a contract period of 24 or 36 months, and includes a WiFi 6 router, myTV SUPER basic membership, and antivirus software. The company also offers a "custom plan" with a monthly fee of HKD 129, allowing customers to choose one gift from options such as Disney+, iQIYI membership, or a home phone. HKT Online Offers Discounts for Students and Seniors HKT Online (HKT) provides a monthly fee of HKD 98 for a 1000M plan for customers switching from other providers, with a contract period of 36 months, waiving installation fees, and offering cash vouchers and NOW TV selected packages. Customers using designated bank credit cards or presenting student ID can enjoy additional rebates or free speed upgrades. The company also has a senior plan, with a 500M broadband monthly fee of HKD 88, which includes a home phone. HGC Offers the Lowest Monthly Fee for "Selected Public Housing" Global Telecom (HGC) has the most competitive pricing, with a monthly fee for 1000M broadband as low as HKD 75 targeting "designated selected public housing." The company also offers a three-in-one package with a monthly fee of HKD 89, including broadband, home phone, and a WiFi 6 router. All plans waive installation fees and provide one free relocation service during the contract period. China Mobile Hong Kong Offers a 180-Day Grace Period China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK) has a more flexible New Year offer, with a 180-day grace period for its 1000M plan. The monthly fee for public housing users starts at HKD 78, while for private housing users it starts at HKD 98, and existing mobile customers can enjoy additional monthly fee discounts and "Mylink" points rebates. To intuitively compare prices, journalists used Shau Kei Wan's Aitong Estate (public housing) and Tai Wai's Tin Sam Village (private estate) as examples to inquire about the 1000M fiber and wireless broadband plans from the four major brands (see table). In terms of public housing fiber services, CMHK's 1000M plan starts at HKD 78 and waives three months of fees. HGC offers a dual choice, with a 1000M monthly fee starting at HKD 89 and a HKD 400 rebate for registration before February 28, or a no-rebate plan starting at HKD 75. Both HKBN and HKT have a starting monthly fee of HKD 98 for their 1000M plans, both including a WiFi 6 router. Monthly Fees for Private Housing Fiber Services Can Be Below HKD 100 As for the fiber optic services in private housing estates, the overall prices are higher than those in public housing areas. In Tin Sum Village, HGC does not provide coverage; HKBN's 1000M monthly fee starts at HKD 218, with a 60-day Asia-Pacific travel data card and other services included; HKT's 1000M plan has a monthly fee starting at HKD 98, with a HKD 400 cash voucher included; CMHK's 1000M plan has a monthly fee starting at HKD 88, offering three months of fee waiver. In terms of wireless broadband, CMHK's monthly 300GB plan costs HKD 98. HKBN's 300GB plan has a monthly fee of HKD 168; HKT's 250GB plan costs HKD 108 per month, including a WiFi6 router; although HGC's 200GB plan is only HKD 78 per month, the usage is lower than that of other providers. This report found that the new year promotions from various broadband providers are quite flexible, reflecting intense competition. A sales representative from HKBN indicated to this report that, for example, residents of the public housing estate in Love East Village on Hong Kong Island can receive an additional month of fee waiver when choosing the 1000M fiber optic service; some sales representatives also stated that the monthly fee can be as low as HKD 88, which is lower than the official price (HKD 98). Additionally, a sales representative from HKT even stated that as long as they come to the platform, they can negotiate for users to get more discounts on TV channel usage