in winds of 50 m.p.h. with gusts of up to 70 m.p.h. and to survive winds of up to 210 m.p.h., in the stowed position. It is currently equipped to handle 300 voice channels and a television channel. The earth station, which cost HK$40 million, is now being expanded by the installation of a second dish to work via the satellite stationed over the Indian Ocean. This dish is scheduled to be in operation in October 1971 and will be equipped initially to carry 60 voice channels and a television channel.
H.F. Radio
82. The Cable and Wireless transmitting and receiving stations at Cape D'Aguilar and Mount Butler provide circuits in the short and medium wave frequency bands. These circuits provide communications to areas which are not on a submarine cable route and do not have direct access to satellite circuits. The H.F. radio system therefore links these areas via Hong Kong, to the rest of the world through the other systems provided by the Company.
V.H.F. Radio
83. The V.H.F. Radio Station is situated at Victoria Peak and provides the following systems:
(a) V.H.F. circuits to Canton and Macau.
(b) V.H.F. Air/Ground communication systems, for aircraft-in-flight control, for the Hong Kong Government and commercial airlines. (c) V.H.F. system for the operation of the maritime radio Hague
Plan.
(d) Microwave system linking Mercury House to the Company's
stations at Stanley and Cape D'Aguilar.
Tropospheric Scatter
84. This is a high grade system which provides 60 voice channels to Taiwan. Of these, 48 channels terminate in Taiwan the other 12 being relayed as a through group to the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company in Manila. The signal carriers are operated in the U.H.F. band using 'over the horizon' techniques. Expansion is planned which will double the capacity of this system in 1971-72. By November 1971 24 channels of the planned expansion will be available for use.
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