97. The number of radio dealers increased by 202 during the year reflecting the popularity of the transistor-type radio receiver which is greatly in demand by tourists and the local populace. The popularity of private VHF radiotelephone circuits continued, giving an increased revenue of $5,917. One taxicab company equipped a nucleus of their taxi fleet and airline companies increased their use of radiotelephone at the Airport to facilitate loading and passenger handling.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONES
98. The internal telephone service in the Colony is provided by Hong Kong Telephone Company Limited, a public company operating under a franchise from the Hong Kong Government. Radiotelephone service is available to most parts of the world in co-operation with Cable and Wireless Limited.
99. The telephone system, comprising some 97,000 stations, is fully automatic and is provided from seven major exchanges, of which three are located in Victoria and four in Kowloon. In addition, service to outlying areas, including the New Territories, is provided by a number of automatic satellite exchanges.
100. Future development includes the provision of a new major exchange in the North Point area and the replacement of the existing Waterloo Road Exchange in Kowloon, together with extensions to existing exchanges. By the end of 1961, the company's exchange capacity will have been increased to 115,000 lines.
101. Charges remain lowest in the world, being $300 per annum for a business line and $225 per annum for a residential line, free local calls being unlimited in number.
TELEPHONE ALLOCATION BOARD
102. The above Board which deals with all Government telephone requirements continued to operate under the Chairmanship of the Post- master General (ex officio) and now has under its jurisdiction over 4,500 telephone circuits.
OTHER COMMUNICATIONS
103. Cable and Wireless Limited is responsible for all telegraph, Telex and radiotelephone services between Hong Kong and overseas countries, for telegraph and radiotelephone services with ships at sea,
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