newsbytes@clarinet.com (01/18/90)
CAUSEWAY BAY, HONGKONG, 1990 JAN 15 (NB) -- Hongkong Telecom's Datacom Services division has added dial-out and X.25 dial-in options to Datapak, the public packet switch. Until now, computer users have been able to dial-in to systems connected to the Datapak network from a special Datel telephone line associated with a Datapak account, or through a public port to addresses having a reverse-charging facility. Both methods used a standard asynchronous modem and were restricted to single-session operation. It has not previously been possible for packet switch subscribers to dial out to computers connected to the ordinary telephone network. Now, they can enter a special network user address (NUA) and enter, on a simple menu, such details as phone number to call and line parameters. The progress of the call is then reported on the screen up to the moment connection is established. Datacom Marketing Manager Andy Mutch told Newsbytes, "This service provides the equivalent to a drop-in modem on a telephone line based system." He expects it to give another boost to the very popular Minilink, a low cost, permanently online, 2400 bps connection to the packet switch network. The dial-in option enables users on the phone network to connect to Datapak directly through a synchronous modem. The X.25 protocol provides error correction and makes possible multiple concurrent sessions online. PC users can take advantage of this option by installing an X.25 accessory card in their computer. Charging for the dial-in service will be the same as for the existing asynchronous dial-up facility at $4.50 per hour plus $0.50 per kilosegment of data. (A segment is 64 characters and/or carriage returns). There is no charge for the dial-out option beyond the normal Datapak tariff. In any case, as with the Hongkong telephone system, inland calls are free. (Norman Wingrove/19900116/Press Contact: Alice Yao, Hongkong Telephone, + 852 528 8111)