ENG-1988 — Page 316

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COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MEDIA

tion Services, Radio Television Hong Kong and the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority. Apart from formulating policy on a wide range of information and broadcasting matters, the Secretary for Administrative Services and Information also oversees the planning and implementation of major government publicity campaigns and advises the government on the presentation of its policies and on public relations matters generally.

Telecommunication Services

As a leading financial, commercial and industrial centre in Asia, Hong Kong depends on efficient and reliable telecommunications both within the territory and internationally.

The basic public telecommunication services are provided by two franchised companies, Hong Kong Telephone Company Limited and Cable and Wireless (Hong Kong) Limited.

The Postmaster General is the Telecommunications Authority and he administers the Telecommunication Ordinance and the Telephone Ordinance which govern the estab- lishment and operation of all telecommunication services. He also acts as adviser to the government on matters concerning the provision and operation of public telecommunica- tion services and the technical aspects of radio and television broadcasting.

The Post Office is responsible for the management of the radio spectrum to ensure that it is utilised efficiently. It draws up frequency allocation plans for the territory and assigns frequencies to specific applications with the aid of a computer. It also co-ordinates with neighbouring territories to share the radio spectrum without causing radio interference.

It grants licences, under the Telecommunication Ordinance, for all forms of radio communication within Hong Kong, maintains surveillance of the radio frequency bands to detect illegal transmissions and interference emanating from sources within and around the territory, and carries out type-approval tests on radio equipment to ensure that they will not cause radio interference when used in Hong Kong.

As demands for radio spectrum are increasing rapidly, studies are being conducted on the possibility of applying new spectrum conservation techniques to ensure efficient utilisation of the spectrum.

The Post Office conducts examinations leading to the issue of the Certificate of Competence in Radiotelephony or Radiotelegraphy to radio operating personnel in compliance with the International Radio Regulations. It also conducts inspections of ships' radio stations to ensure compliance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.

The Post Office also provides advisory and planning services for the communication requirements of government departments and subvented institutes, and co-ordinates and regulates the use of radio communication sites. Major systems planned in 1988 include a new territory-wide VHF/FM broadcasting system for Hong Kong, a radio network for the Auxiliary Medical Services, and the provision of a new Fire Services mobilis- ing system.

The Post Office provides technical advice and support to the Broadcasting Authority on the formulation of broadcasting policies and legislation. It also monitors the technical performance of broadcast services and investigates complaints concerning reception quality.

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The basic public telecommunication services in Hong Kong telephone, telex and telegram - are operated by the two franchised companies on an exclusive basis. Customer premises terminal equipment is provided on a competitive basis, but 'permission to connect' is required in respect of each type of equipment.