Post_Office_1968-1969 — Page 23

Telex

87. This service is becoming more and more popular in Hong Kong and has expanded tremendously since its introduction in 1959. It gives office to office direct communication and can be connected to most countries which have telex service. Cable and Wireless Ltd., Hong Kong, has now over 600 telex subscribers, and the number continues to grow steadily. The company will introduce a one minute minimum charge to certain countries in 1970 when the new Hasler Electronic Telex Exchange is installed, which will then provide a fully automatic internal and overseas telex service.

International Telephone

88. In collaboration with the Hong Kong Telephone Co. Ltd., Cable and Wireless Ltd. maintain a network of international telephone services which brings most parts of the world within conversational reach of Hong Kong. In addition to the submarine cables (SEACOM) Cable and Wireless Ltd. provide H.F. radio circuit connections to 16 countries in the region; other services operate on V.H.F. and Tropospheric Scatter and there are now 140 telephone channels terminating in Hong Kong. The Company has placed an order for a second extension to the Hong Kong International Exchange to increase the total capacity of the exchange to 200 bothway international trunks.

Maritime Communications

89. Services are provided on H.F. and V.H.F. (known as Hague Plan) in connection with ships' radio telegrams and radiotelephones between shore and ships. Radiotelegrams are admitted to ships from any coast station, and radiotelephone calls between shore and ships are made in the same manner as are international telephone calls. The service is available throughout the 24 hours daily either at a short range of about 200 miles or at a greater distance with ships up to approxi- mately 500 miles. The Cable and Wireless Coast Station VPS is situated at Mount Butler Receiving Station.

Public Counters

90. Cable and Wireless Ltd. has 7 public counters for the acceptance of telegrams and radiotelephone calls, 3 on Hong Kong Island and 4 on Kowloon Peninsula. The Company also provides a phonogram *** service for acceptance and delivery of telegrams in Mercury House. An eighth public counter will be set up shortly in Kwun Tong, Kowloon.

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