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COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MEDIA
released in September. The last special issue, consisting of four stamps, was released in November and featured historical Chinese costumes. Post cards of enlarged versions of the four stamps were also issued.
A set of new 'postage due labels' comprising six denominations was issued in March to replace the old labels which had not changed in design since 1923.
Telecommunication Services
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, Hong Kong Telephone Company Limited and 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 is responsible for the management of the radio spectrum to ensure that it is utilised efficiently. It draws up frequency allocation plans for the territory and assigns frequencies to specific applications with the aid of a computer. It also co- ordinates with neighbouring territories to share the radio spectrum without causing radio interference.
It grants licences, under the Telecommunication Ordinance, for all forms of radio communication within Hong Kong, maintains surveillance of the radio frequency bands to detect illegal transmissions and interference emanating from sources within and around the territory, and carries out type-approval tests on radio equipment to ensure that they will not cause radio interference when used in Hong Kong.
As demands for radio spectrum are increasing rapidly, studies are performed on the possibility of applying new spectrum conservation techniques to ensure efficient utilisation of the spectrum.
The Post Office conducts examinations leading to the issue of the Certificate of Competence in Radiotelephony or Radiotelegraphy 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.
During the year, the Post Office took part in the World Administrative Radio Con- ference for Mobile Services 1987 and other international meetings.
The Post Office also provides advisory and planning services for the communication requirements of government departments, and co-ordinates and regulates the use of all radio communication sites. Major systems planned in 1987 included a campus-wide voice and data communication network for the Hong Kong Polytechnic, a new radio network for the Highways Department and the Civil Engineering Services Department, and the provision of a new Fire Services mobilising system.
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 Telecom- munication Ordinance.