Post_Office_1963-1964 — Page 18

Interference

87. Cases of interference to telecommunications services, both govern- ment and privately owned, performing internal and external functions, were investigated and eliminated wherever possible. In large measure interference emanated from V.H.F. welding equipment used by the plastics industry. Interference from this source continues to be a matter of some concern in its effect on the Colony's major communication services.

88. The installation of new frequency measuring and special receiving equipment assisted considerably in the investigation of cases of inter- ference to radio communications.

Maintenance

89. Routine maintenance, acceptance tests and installation work was carried out satisfactorily during the year under review on electro-medical, V.H.F. radio telephone and public address systems equipment for govern- ment departments.

Advice to Government Departments

90. Technical advice was given to Government departments on all matters relating to telecommunications as well as assistance in the prepara- tion of specifications and examination of tenders.

Telephones

91. Internal telephone service is provided by the Hong Kong Telephone Company, Limited, a Public Company registered in Hong Kong and operating under a franchise from the Hong Kong Government.

92. The system is fully automatic and service is provided from ten major exchanges together with a number of satellite exchanges. At the 31st March, 1964 there were 190,958 telephones in service, an increase of 37,139 telephones over the previous twelve months. A new major exchange in Wan Chai is scheduled to come into service in August 1964, together with an exchange of considerably greater capacity to replace the existing Central Exchange.

93. During the year the Company engaged the services of the British Post Office Consultative Services Department and a team from the Department led by Mr. T. J. MORGAN, C.G.I.A., A.M.I.E.E. visited the Colony and reported upon its future long term telephonic require- ments. Their report and recommendations have been accepted in principle and implementation of the proposals is now being studied.

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