Telecom proclaims readiness to squash Y2K bug

Hongkong Telecom claims its computer systems are Y2K compliant, following a $150 million upgrade.

Telecom's local voice, data, Internet, interactive television and international networks were deemed safe from the Y2K bug, which causes problems when computers get confused between 1900 and 2000.

Telecom, which has about 98 per cent of the lines in the SAR and is also the leading mobile operator, said its back-office functions, such as billing, were also Y2K compliant.

Work is being carried out with foreign carriers to ensure that calls to overseas countries will be problem-free after December 31. Tests have been conducted with firms in Macau, the United States, Taiwan, Singapore, Germany, South Africa and Sweden.

Tests in other states - including the mainland - were in hand, said Y2K programme director Chan Chun-leung.

'We have very close ties with China Telecom. We are in the process of preparation and we will very soon have the results and let you know,' Mr Chan said.