XN000022-1995-03-31 — Page 32

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"Dual access" period for the numbering change to end soon

All residential and business telephone and facsimile numbers in Hong Kong have already been changed from 7-digit to 8-digit by adding a prefix "2" in front of the previous numbers, a spokesman for the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) reminded today (Friday).

"There has been a 'dual access' period allowing calls to be put through after dialling the new 8-digit numbers or the previous 7-digit numbers," the spokesman said.

"However, users should accustom themselves quickly to using the 8-digit numbers because the 'dual access' period for local calls will end at the end of May.

For international incoming calls, the "dual access" period will end at mid-night today (March 31).

"Up to the end of June, callers dialling the old 7- digit numbers will receive a recorded announcement asking them to dial the new 8-digit numbers.

"Therefore, it is necessary for all telephone users to let their overseas friends and relatives know their new telephone numbers," the spokesman said.

The spokesman added that the telephone numbers for the paging services would be changed on October 1 this year. The paging service operators will inform their customers of the details in the near future.

The 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 remain unchanged.

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Any enquiries on the above numbering change can be directed to OFTA's hotline on tel 2961 6333.

End/Friday, March 31, 1995