XN000022-1994-12-28 — Page 7

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Telephone numbers become eight digits on January 1

A spokesman for the Office of the Telecommunications Authority reminds the public that from 00.01 am on January 1 next year, all existing seven-digit residential and business telephone numbers in Hong Kong will be changed to eight digits by adding a prefix "2" in front of the existing numbers.

"If necessary, users should remember to re- programme their telephone memories, autodiallers, facsimile machines or other office communication systems on the day and to inform their business and trading partners, overseas friends and relatives of the new telephone numbers."

"Of course, people also need to show the new and correct telephone number on their stationery such as letter heads and name cards," the spokesman said.

Common short-code numbers such as "999" for emergency services, "001" and "002" for international calling, "1081" and "1083" for directory enquiries, "109" for telephone line fault reporting and "1881. - 1887" for telebet services will remain unchanged.

All mobile phone numbers will remain unchanged as they are already using eight digits.

The telephone numbers for paging services will also remain unchanged until October 1 next year.

The paging operators will inform their customers of the numbering changes for their services in the near future.

Further details of the new numbering plan may be obtained from the office by calling 2961 6333.

End/Wednesday, December 28, 1994