COMMUNICATIONS
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At the Central Telegraph Office orders were finalized for a new $4 million message-switching computer to handle telegraph traffic. The computer will also be used by airlines and other concerns with message traffic. It is expected to be fully operational in 1968.
Telephone services in the Colony are provided by the Hong Kong Telephone Company Limited a public company operating under a government franchise. In collaboration with Cable and Wireless Limited it also provides services to most overseas countries and to ships at sea and moored in the harbour. The telephone system is fully automatic and comprises more than 350,000 working tele- phones operating through 33 separate exchanges. Exchange line rentals are on a flat rate basis of $350 a year for business lines and $235 for residential lines. These rates are probably the lowest in the world. In the first half of 1967 more than 27,900 new lines were installed. To meet the high level of demand the company has in hand a vast development programme. It includes the commis- sioning, during 1968, of six new exchanges, large extensions to existing exchanges and a comprehensive development of the cable network. To provide for future expansion up to the 1980's the telephone numbering system has been divided into three separate six-digit systems designated by area code digits. This system will allow expansion up to 1,800,000 lines.
The government's Advisory Committee on Telephone Services reviews the operation, improvement and expansion of telephone services, examines complaints and suggestions from the public, and makes periodic reports to the Governor in Council.