Roaming Revival and Data Growth Fuel HKT’s 2025 Profits
HKT Trust and HKT Limited, a leading telecommunications service provider based in Hong Kong, offer a wide range of fixed-line, broadband, mobile, and enterprise solutions. As the telecom arm of PCCW Group, HKT plays a vital role in supporting the region’s digital infrastructure and connectivity. With a strong market presence and a focus on innovation, HKT continues to grow through robust demand for mobile, data, and roaming services—reflected in its latest financial results for the first half of the year.
HKT Trust and HKT (6823) saw its net profit edge up by 4 percent to HK$2.07 billion in the first half from a year ago, powered by robust businesses.
The telecommunication service provider also increased interim distribution by 2.7 percent to 33.8 HK cents per stapled unit.
Revenue from telecommunications services grew 4 percent to HK$12.5 billion, with local telecommunications income rising 5 percent to HK$8.71 billion, driven by an 8 percent increase in local data services. Mobile services revenue increased 5 percent to HK$4.19 billion, while total roaming revenue rose 7 percent due to the full recovery of international travel.
After the company’s recent deleveraging and with the positive impact of the recent downward trend in local interest rates yet to be fully realized, the adjusted funds flow was expected to gain further momentum for the remainder of this year and beyond, said group managing director Susanna Hui Hon-hing.
Total earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization rose 3 percent to HK$6.38 billion, boosted by efficiency improvements from artificial intelligence. Total revenue grew 3.9 percent to HK$17.3 billion, and adjusted funds flow increased by 3 percent.
HKT (via csl and 1O1O) Roaming Services Overview
Coverage & Approach
- csl roaming supports over 300 destinations across major global regions, offering both voice and data roaming.
- 1O1O (HKT’s premium brand) provides roaming service across 41 regions, with bundled roaming in some service plans.
Data Roaming Passes
- csl offers Data Roaming Passes priced at approximately HK$38–178 per day, depending on roaming zone and destination tier (e.g. Mainland China vs. Europe or U.S.). A daily pass covers up to 1 GB of roaming data, with speed throttled to 512 kbps after the cap.
- Larger premium data roaming passes are also available (HK$58–198/day), offering 2 GB daily data before throttling.
Multi-Day & Volume Packages
- csl offers Data Roaming Pass Packages that include 3, 7, or 14 passes for regions such as Mainland China, Macau, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Volume Data Roaming Pass Packages provide a multi-GB allocation (e.g., 6 GB or 10 GB) valid for 30 days, covering flagship Asia or Europe destination zones.
Voice Roaming & Wi‑Fi Calls
- csl’s KingKing app allows users to make and receive voice calls over Wi‑Fi to any Hong Kong number while abroad.
- Traditional IDD voice roaming is available but subject to standard csl tariffs.
Zone-based Pricing Summary
| Roaming Zone | Typical Daily Pass Price | Included Data |
|---|---|---|
| Mainland China, Macau (Zone A/M) | ≈ HK$38–59 | Up to 1 GB daily |
| Major APAC destinations (Zone B) | ≈ HK$59–178 | 1 GB or 2 GB/day† |
| Europe & North America (Zone C) | ≈ HK$69+ | 1 GB/day |
† Premium Pass with 2 GB is available at a higher daily cost.
Key Takeaways
- Ideal for short-term travel: Easily purchase one-day roaming passes for flexibility during trips.
- Cost-effective multi-trip packages: Volume or multi-day bundles suit frequent flyers to APAC or beyond.
- Wi‑Fi calling with the KingKing app: Offers free voice home calling without wired roaming fees.
Where Hong Kong Residents Are Traveling Most in 2025
- Mainland China remains the top destination—all major border crossings, especially to Shenzhen, continue to attract substantial numbers of day-trippers and shoppers. The trend of Hongkongers “heading north” has accelerated since the border reopened and has significantly impacted local Hong Kong businesses
- Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore continue to be popular short- and medium-haul destinations for Hong Kong residents. Reports from travel platforms and industry analyses validate consistent demand in those markets in both 2024 and into 2025.
- In early 2024, about 1.03 million Hongkongers visited Japan, with a cumulative 1.27 million Hong Kong citizens visiting Japan in the first half of 2024, reflecting substantial recovery and pre‑pandemic growth comparisons
However, there have been recent developments: a viral manga predicting a natural disaster in early July 2025 led to an 11% drop in travel from Hong Kong to Japan in May 2025, prompting some airlines to reduce flights to Japan. Despite this short‑term dip, travel interest remains strong overall.
