[2] In 2009, HKTV (then-City Telecom) applied for domestic free-to-air television programme service licence, but was rejected by the Hong Kong government in October 2013.

It commenced live and video on demand broadcasting through internet on 19 November 2014, while refiling an application for a free-to-air licence.

HKTV had fought a series of legal battles against the government, until it withdrew its application for free-to-air licence and surrendered its mobile television licenses to the Communications Authority in March 2018.

[6] After submission of application for a domestic free television programme service licence in 2009, HKTV invested about HK$300 million and hired several hundred staff to produce TV series, and planned to invest HK$600 million into a new Television Production Centre at Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate.

[8] The government quoted 'gradual and orderly approach' as the sole reason for its decision and invited HKTV to challenge it in court by judicial review.

On 11 April 2014, HKTV appealed for the judicial review on the broadcasting format of the Mobile Television service, which was accepted by the High Court.

The completed TV shows were planned to broadcast on this website to attract more local companies to get into this online business.

The business intended to maintain free TV production as its main focus, using e-commerce as an income source while the rejection of its license was challenged.

[18] In late October 2014, HKTV launched an online vote for their favourite TV series out of an offer of sixteen, the winner to be broadcast on 19 November 2014.

After launch, HKTV was exploring new business opportunities, including e-commerce, by consolidating mobile TV spectrum and over-the-top Internet platforms.

[22] In March 2018, HKTV announced that they have abandoned their television operations, and would continue to focus on its online shopping platform HKTVmall.