As telecom operators worldwide seek new growth opportunities beyond connectivity, HKT is making a strategic push into consumer and business AI with the launch of HKT.AI, a self-developed AI platform designed to bring localized, secure, and affordable AI services to individuals and SMEs across Hong Kong.
The launch reflects a broader industry shift. While large enterprises have increasingly embraced generative AI, smaller businesses and consumers often struggle with fragmented tools, security concerns, and limited local relevance. HKT is attempting to close that gap by positioning AI as a subscription-based utility, much like broadband or mobile services.
The platform offers dedicated portals for consumers and enterprises, with subscriptions starting at HK$48 and HK$88 per month respectively. More than 80 AI agents are already available, covering productivity, education, business operations, content creation, and daily life management.
“By bringing together our strengths in network infrastructure, data and AI, we aim to make AI accessible to everyone in Hong Kong and create greater value for our customers and society.”
— Susanna Hui, Group Managing Director, HKT
According to Susanna Hui, the initiative forms part of HKT’s broader transformation into an integrated data and intelligent technology company. The strategy combines the company’s telecommunications infrastructure, data capabilities, and AI technologies to encourage wider AI adoption while maintaining a secure operating environment.
A key differentiator is the platform’s strong localization. Consumer-focused capabilities include AI-powered homework assistance, exam preparation, contract analysis, cooking recommendations, and presentation creation. For SMEs, the platform delivers tools spanning marketing, human resources, compliance support, meeting assistance, company filing, and funding-matching services.
The move also aligns with Hong Kong’s wider ambition to position AI as a strategic industry. Rather than focusing solely on advanced models, HKT is emphasizing practical applications that can improve productivity and reduce complexity for everyday users.
For technology leaders, the significance lies in the emerging convergence of telecommunications and AI platforms. Operators increasingly see AI not just as a network capability but as a direct customer service offering. If successful, HKT.AI could provide a blueprint for how telecom companies evolve into AI ecosystem providers, helping accelerate digital transformation among consumers and SMEs while creating new sources of revenue beyond connectivity.
