ENG-1981 — Page 249

182

COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORT

To ensure that the radio frequency spectrum is utilised effectively, the Post Office licenses, under the Telecommunication Ordinance, all forms of radio communication within Hong Kong. It maintains surveillance of the radio frequency bands to detect illegal transmissions and interference emanating from sources within and around the territory. It also conducts inspections of ships' radio stations to ensure compliance with the Interna- tional Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.

In addition, the Post Office provides advisory and planning services for the communica- tions requirements of government departments. It also co-ordinates and regulates the use of all radiocommunications sites.

Government networks planned during 1981 included the Civil Co-ordination Control network, the Waterworks Micro-wave Telemetry network and a replacement facsimile network for the Information Services Department. In addition, an Automatic Fire Alarm Transmission System using multiplexing techniques was planned for the Fire Services Department. PABX facilities were installed for Queen Mary Hospital, Rating and Valuation Department Headquarters and South Kwai Chung Hospital.

A significant event in Hong Kong's international telecommunications history occurred on October 1, 1981, with the setting-up of a local company, Cable and Wireless (Hong Kong) Limited, to operate international telecommunications services from Hong Kong. The new company, a subsidiary of Cable and Wireless Limited, was granted a licence to operate telecommunications services for 25 years. In view of the importance of interna- tional telecommunications to the well being of Hong Kong, the government purchased 20 per cent of the share capital of the company and has two directors on its board. The remaining 80 per cent of share capital has been retained by Cable and Wireless Limited.

The Hong Kong Telephone Company Limited, operating under franchise from the government, provides telephone and other telecommunications facilities in Hong Kong. With 1.8 million telephones connected to the networks, Hong Kong has a density of more than 34 telephones for every 100 people - the highest in Southeast Asia. Service can normally be provided on demand anywhere in the territory. There is a flat-rate rental which allows unlimited free calls within Hong Kong. The network is fully automatic, with 64 exchanges using equipment ranging from electro-mechanical switching to advanced elec- tronic systems.

A wide range of services and equipment is available to subscribers. Services include a direct-dial radio-paging service; a ship-to-shore telephone service; a computerised directory enquiry service and a local and international conference service. Equipment available includes a comprehensive selection of residential telephones and business facilities includ- ing computerised business switching systems, keyphones, auto-diallers, hands free attach- ments, brokers desk equipment and data modems for use on leased circuits or the public switched telephone network.

The year 1981 saw completion of the development phase of Viewdata and the introduc- tion of this public information service that links a television set, via a telephone, to an information bearing computer.

The first optical fibre cable systems, running from Mount Davis to Wan Chai and from Wan Chai to Ho Man Tin were inaugurated. Orders were placed for digital switching equipment for three tandem and one local exchange, installation of which will begin in 1982. The area code for the New Territories was changed from 12 to 0 as a further step towards a territory wide numbering scheme.

Hong Kong's international telephone service is provided by the Hong Kong Telephone Company Limited in conjunction with Cable and Wireless (Hong Kong) Limited. Apart