AA signs agreement for payphone services at new airport

(HONG KONG, 19 August 1997) -- The Airport Authority (AA) signed today the licence agreement for the provision of payphone and courtesy phone services in the passenger terminal building at the new airport at Chek Lap Kok.

New World Telephone (NWT) Ltd was awarded a 60-month licence to provide a minimum of 335 multi-media payphones, 20 conventional-type payphones, 45 courtesy phones, as well as 10 phonecard vending machines.

It will also offer a variety of telephone services, including local and international voice, fax and data calls; coin, calling card and credit card payment; electronic Yellow Pages and other directories; and internet access.

"The award of this licence will ensure that the travelling public will have its communications needs amply catered for," said AA Chief Executive Officer Dr Henry Townsend. "This is yet another feature that will make the terminal one of the best passenger facilities in the world."

"We are delighted to partner the Airport Authority in delivering innovative payphone services to the people of Hong Kong and visitors alike," said Mr Peter Tsang, NWT's Chief Executive. "This strategic win is another major milestone for us. Not only does it underscore the continued strong momentum of PowerPhone service development in Hong Kong, but it also reinforces Hong Kong's status as a pre-eminent communications hub."

NWT Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary company of New World Telephone Holdings Ltd, which is a partnership between New World Development and INFA Telecom Group.

Ref: PR-296