§ 63. Mr. Biffenasked the Postmaster-General if he is satisfied that facilities exist to cope with the expected increase in tele-processing as a result of the greater use of computers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterI understand that the hon. Member is inquiring about the transmission of data by telecommunication for computer processing.
223WThe existing Post Office Datel Services Numbers 100 and 600 already provide for the transmission of digital data at speeds of up to 50 and 600 bits per second over the public telex and telephone systems respectively, and at up to twice those speeds over rented private circuits. Facilities for transmission at speeds of up to 2,000 bits per second over rented telephone circuits with improved technical characteristics are available.
The Datel Service Number 200, to be introduced later this year, will allow of simultaneous two-way transmission over telephone circuits.
The Datel Service Number 300, to be introduced next year, will provide for the collection over telephone circuits of data from a large number of sources.
Subject to the availability of plant, "wide-band" circuits for higher operating speeds can be provided, with due notice.
The Post Office is keeping in close touch with prospective requirements and is studying the characteristics of a network catering especially for high speed data transmission associated with computers.