Date: 28th December 2000

Free Smart Cards for Electronic Service Delivery Scheme

The Postmaster General, Mr Luk Ping-chuen, announced today (December 28) that Hongkong Post, with the support of the Information Technology and Broadcasting Bureau, will issue 1,000 free smart cards to Hongkong Post e-Cert subscribers to promote the formal launch of the Electronic Service Delivery (ESD) Scheme on 19 January 2001.  

The smart cards to be embedded with Hongkong Post e-Cert can be used at the ESD Information Kiosks which will be located throughout Hong Kong to facilitate the public's access to on-line government services.  

These smart cards will enable holders to conduct secure Internet transactions at the ESD Information Kiosks for government services which require the use of e-Cert for authentication and digital signing.  

The smart card, measuring 8.5 cm by 5.4 cm, depicts Hong Kong skyline with a cyber look.  

Any person at the age of 11 or above, who are holding a Hong Kong Identity Card, can register on-line at the Hongkong Post web site (www.hongkongpost.gov.hk) to apply for the smart card starting from today until 3 January 2001.  

Each person can only submit one application. In case of over-subscription, a computer balloting will be arranged.  

While the smart card is free-of-charge, successful applicant who is not already an e-Cert holder, is required to submit an application for a Hongkong Post e-Cert (Personal) in person at any post office and pay for the prescribed subscription fee. The annual subscription fee of each e-Cert is HK$150 but first time subscribers are only required to pay HK$50.  

For further enquiries, please call the Hongkong Post CA Service Hotline at 2921 6633.