The launch was enabled by the liberalization of Hong Kong telecommunications market introduced in January this year permitting basic voice services on a resale basis through measures such as the connection of private circuits with the public network. KTH, in advance of launching the services, had obtained the license for international telephone services on a resale basis and the carrier identification number (1588) in Hong Kong last December. The services initiated this time include a calling card service and a wholesale service for telecommunications carriers. The company also plans to begin the international direct dialing call service for enterprises and households in April this year.

Responding to the progress of the deregulation sweeping the world, KDD's overseas affiliated companies have been providing telephone services in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France since last year. KTH is the first KDD's subsidiary that provides international telephone services in the Asian Region.

KTH can now cope with wide-ranging communication needs of customers there by launching international telephone services, coupled with the existing F-Port (International Store-and-Forward Facsimile service), Globridge (International leased circuit service), Internet access services, engineering services including the construction, operation and maintenance of the communications network, and the sale of communications equipment.

KDD will continue to collaborate with its group companies to expand its overseas telecommunications business.