3. Introduction Communication = exchange of information for: Trade transactions Management and internal co-ordination Co-operation with other auxiliary services Business development Understanding of the market

4. Postal Communications 1. Letter post: –Local mail and overseas mail –Postcard –Aerogramme –Printed papers

5. 2. Parcel post: –Small packet –Parcel Postal Communications

6. 3. Bulk mail: –Local bulk mail  Franking machine Postal Communications  Permit mailing system –Hong Kong post circular service –Overseas bulk mail

7. –Business reply service –Express delivery service –Registration –Insurance Postal Communications –Post office box –Speedpost –Local courierpost service –E-cert 4. Other postal services:

8. Courier Services and Express Deliveries Handle customs clearance Speedy and reliable More expensive

9. Telecommunications 1. Telephone service: –Local telephone services –International telephone services  International Direct Dialling (IDD)  Operator connected call  Conference calling  International toll free service — Mobile phone services

10. 2. Infoline 3. Radio paging service 4. Facsimile 5. Electronic mail 6. Datapak Telecommunications

11. 7. Videotex 8. Video conferencing 9. Cable television 10. Satellite television Telecommunications

12. Factors Affecting the Decision on the Means of Communication Used 1. Cost 2. Urgency 3. Availability 4. Function restriction 5. Reliability 6. Confidentiality 7. Accuracy 8. Co-ordination with other means 9. Cope with future development

13. Recent Development of Communication Services and Facilities in Hong Kong Improvement in postal services Popularity of communications facilities Open of the telecommunication market Popularity of mobile phones The Internet Popularity of computer knowledge

14. The end of this chapter The end of this chapter