been
Air
out
has been re-designed, enlarged and installed in a new administra- tion building, and the addition of wide-band-amplifiers for reception has given greatly improved results. New frequencies have been brought into use for aeradio and operation extended throughout the 24 hours. A new control tower has equipped with complete radio facilities and controls. navigational aids in various parts of the Colony have been expanded and improved. Meteorological facilities and traffic, both transmitted and received, have been increased. Improve- ments and re-installation of equipment have been carried at the Peak Radio Station, and the addition of wide-band- amplifier equipment here also has resulted in a marked improve- ment. Further extensive tests have been carried out in connec- tion with the proposed expansion of police V.H.F. radiotelephone services, fixed and mobile, but their establishment has been held up pending the procurement of equipment. V.H.F. has been installed on Marine and Health department launches, and has also been used experimentally by Excise Preventive Officers. A new medium-wave broadcasting transmitter has been installed and brought into use to allow for improved maintenance. Com- plete new aerial and earth systems have been constructed, giving a valuable increase in field strength and service area. Public address equipment has been installed and operated for official requirements, either fixed for ceremonies, or on mobile vans for traffic control, health campaigns, etc. Radiotelephone services, operated by Cable & Wireless, Ltd. in conjunction with the Hong Kong Telephone Co., Ltd., are now in operation between Hong Kong and Manila, Canton and Macao and have attracted a very considerable volume of traffic.
Rehabilitation of the Government system of lines-sub- marine, cable and overhead--has continued, particularly for Police services in the New Territories, but this is not yet complete. A new control cable is being laid to the Cape d'Aguilar radio station along a new route to avoid the frequent interruptions due to cutting of the cable by thieves. tele-printer circuits have been installed to replace manual telegraphy. Preparatory work has been done towards the installation of a comprehensive new public alarm system for the Fire Brigade.
Various
The Licensing Section of the Telecommunications branch has not been transferred to Cable & Wireless, Ltd. but has remained under the Post Office. A feature of licensing business during 1948 has been the remarkable increase in the number of Broadcast Receiving Licences which now stand at over 30,000. There have been a number of successful prosecutions
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