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As the satellite radiocommunications equipment uses radio frequencies, licensing of the equipment is necessary to prevent radio interference and to comply with international radio regulations.

"The new licence allows the licensee to transmit and receive its own signals only," said the spokesman.

"It is not a satellite broadcasting licence. It does not allow the licensee to provide a public telecommunications service to customers. Nor does it allow the licensee to operate a broadcasting service from the equipment."

OFTA will, through the Government Information Services, disseminate the information on the new licence. Any broadcasters or news agencies wishing to bring in their own satellite equipment may apply for a licence from OFTA.

Details of the new licence may also be obtained from the OFTA Homepage on the Internet at URL http://www.ofta.gov.hk.

End

New recorded delivery service to be introduced

The Postmaster General, Mr Robert Footman, announced today (Thursday) that to provide new and improved services and to meet changing needs, a number of amendments to the Post Office Regulations will be introduced.

The amended regulations will take effect on March 7.

"We shall introduce a public Recorded Delivery service from that date," said Mr Footman.

"The fee will be $11 for a postal packet and is cheaper than the $13 fee for registered mail."

At present, the recorded delivery service is only available to government departments. It is very similar to the registration service in that the Post Office has to provide proof of posting and delivery, but the tracking of the mail item at each processing stage is not provided as in the case of registered mail.