COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MEDIA
Telecommunication Services
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As a leading financial, commercial and industrial centre in Asia, Hong Kong depends on efficient and reliable telecommunications both within the territory and internationally.
Telecommunication services are provided by two franchised local companies, the Hong Kong Telephone Company Limited and the Cable and Wireless (Hong Kong) Limited.
The Postmaster General is the Telecommunications Authority and he administers the Telecommunication Ordinance and the Telephone Ordinance which govern the establish- ment and operation of all telecommunication services. He also acts as adviser to the government on matters concerning the provision and operation of public telecommunica- tion services and the technical aspects of radio and television broadcasting.
The Post Office makes use of computer techniques in managing the radio frequency spectrum to ensure that it is utilised efficiently. It draws up frequency allocation plans for the territory and assigns frequencies for specific applications. It grants licences, under the Telecommunication Ordinance, for all forms of radio communication within Hong Kong. It maintains surveillance of the radio frequency bands to detect illegal transmissions and interference emanating from sources within and around the territory. It conducts exam- inations leading to the issue of the Certificate of Competence in Radiotelephony or Radio- telegraphy to radio operating personnel in compliance with the International Radio Regulations. It also conducts inspections of ships' radio stations to ensure compliance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.
In addition, the Post Office provides advisory and planning services for the communica- tion requirements of government departments, and co-ordinates and regulates the use of all radio communication sites. Major systems planned in 1986 included the replacement of the existing police telephone network with a new network that consists of digital stored-program-controlled exchanges and high capacity digital links, a new teleprinter network for the Government Information Services and a digital PABX to replace the existing telephone exchange serving the Government Secretariat.
The basic public telecommunication services in Hong Kong - telephone, telex and telegram – are operated by the two franchised companies on an exclusive basis. Customer premises terminal equipment is provided on a competitive basis but 'permission to connect' is required in respect of each type of equipment. Other telecommunication services may be operated competitively, provided the service has been licensed under the Telecommunica- tion Ordinance.
The internal telephone service is provided by the Hong Kong Telephone Company Limited. With over 2.3 million telephones served by more than 1.7 million lines, the territory has a density of around 42 telephones for every 100 people.
The company also operates a public data network using a special transmission switching technique, known as packet switching, to provide the public with more advanced data communication facilities.
The network helped the introduction of ‘cashless shopping', as it enabled the electronic transfer of funds to go into operation at selected retail outlets.
Hong Kong's international telephone service is provided jointly by the Hong Kong Telephone Company Limited and the Cable and Wireless (HK) Limited. A world-wide operator-connected service is available and International Direct Dialling can be made to more than 140 overseas destinations.
International telecommunication services, which include public telegram, telex, tele- phone, television programme transmission/reception, leased circuits, ship-shore and air- ground communications, are provided by the Cable and Wireless (HK) Limited under an