Hong Kong has become the first major city in the world to offer interactive services on a commercial basis. The services offered by the company's interactive multimedia unit include video on demand, home shopping and banking, and a racing service. Networks employing the software will be able to accept prepayment from cellular phone owners, obviating the need for a contract. It will also allow subscribers to be reached on one phone number wherever they are or have calls routed to voice mail. Nera Norwegian telecoms manufacturer Nera has launched its lightweight WorldPhone, which has a lid that acts as a antenna link to the latest generation of Inmarsat satellites.
Special adaptations are available for use in cars, ocean-going yachts and coastal craft.
The PTT minister, Ali al-Johani, said earlier this year that STC would take over the telephone and telex facilities of his ministry, as well as all other telecoms rights and properties owned by the kingdom, including its local and international investments. STC is due to begin operations by the end of June. The privatization is expected to take place before the end of June. The state of Rio Grande do Sul is also planning to sell its 54.2 percent stake in regional telecoms operator Companhia Riograndense de Telecomunicacoes, the report added. Telecom Africa Telecom Africa aims to provide scientific and technological capability to countries of the region and to provide a full range of services, including line and wireless telephony, video and data communications, Internet, private networks, broadcast, distance learning and telemedicine.