"Telecommunication over Decades" Special Exhibition

Looking up Telephone Numbers

Looking up Telephone Numbers

When was the earliest telephone directory published? Which are the common types of pagers? How are the designs of old-style fixed-line telephone? The old telephone directories displayed were actually used in the past. They were once a must-have item for every household. If you would like to read the telephone directory of 1967, you may refer to the electronic version. Look it up and see if any names look familiar to you!

Notice for Telephone Subscribers

In 1907, there were only 76 telephones in Macao. Telephone was mainly used in fortresses, barracks and government departments. Private telephone was uncommon, and only used by government officials and celebrities. Since there was only a small number of a telephone, the telephone subscribers were only listed on a notice published in the government bulletin. Until 1915, the telephone list started to be arranged in alphabetical order of the subscribers' surnames. In 1927, Macao officially started to have the telephone directory. However, only 200 telephones were in use at time.

Telephone Directory in 1967

Telephone Directory in 1967

The telephone directory in the early days was a thin book containing only telephone numbers. It was unlike the specially designed directories with colored covers and advertisements nowadays. In the telephone directory of 1967, all telephone numbers were in 4 digits. The numbers used in Taipa and Coloane started with 7 and 8 respectively, and then added with 2 more digits at the back. See if you can find the telephone numbers of anyone or any organization that you know?

Telephone Directory in 1974

Telephone Directory in 1974

During the 70's, the roads in most districts were under construction for the laying of underground cables so that more households could install the long-awaited telephone. From 1967 to 1974, the main difference in the telephone directory is the numbers are in 4 digits in the former directory, whereas those in the latter are in 5 digits (for numbers started with 8). The telephone directory of 1974 has a special offer for telegram sent on festivals. Telegram within 10 words (or characters) was charged at MOP3.30. During the 70's, telephone subscribers were most happy about the unlimited usage of telephone that started on 1 January 1978.

Telephone Directory in 1984

Telephone Directory in 1984

Fixed line telephone was rapidly and largely developed in the 80's. People sometimes described objects as being "as thick as the telephone directory". In 1982, the "Yellow Page" appeared in the Telephone directory. In 1983, telephone numbers were changed from 5 digits to 6 digits. The telephone directory in 1984 had let most people learn that 01 was for Hong Kong and 00 was for other countries when making IDD calls. The blue page of the telephone directory in 1989 was printed with the time difference of the countries which made it more convenient when making IDD calls. It also introduced the mobile phone service launched in 1988, including cellular phone, portable telephone and automobile telephone. Roaming service was available in Hong Kong and certain regions in the Guangdong province.

Telephone Directory in the 90's and the New Millennium

Telephone Directory in 1991 Telephone Directory in 2000

The telephone directory in 1991 is the thickest among the rest. It includes the "Magic Line Service" - call transferred to specified number and "IDD Code Controlled Barring". For the second service, a confidential code is used to lock the IDD function of the telephone so that people do not need to physically lock the "0" on the dial. After 2000, mobile phone has become part of our personal belongings. Fixed line telephone slowly decreased in quantity every year, and the telephone directory also became thinner and rarely used.

Back