MUMBAI: The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (Casbaa) has welcomed an announcement by the Hong Kong Government that it will begin a three-month consultation process on the establishment of a unified regulator for the electronic communications sector in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

"It is encouraging to see Hong Kong rationalising its approach to regulation, taking into account the digital revolution. We certainly support the concept of a converged regulatory environment in Asia Pacific markets and see models such as Ofcom in the United Kingdom addressing many of the complex issues arising from converged distribution. However, we also reinforce our position that a non-intrusive stance is the best for industry and the community at large," said Casbaa CEO Simon Twiston Davies.

In a recent report Casbaa assessed the regulatory environment for the pay-TV industry across Asia and found that Hong Kong had one of the most effective regulatory environments in the region. "We give full credit to Hong Kong for working to retain its position as a regional leader," added Twiston Davies.