POST AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA 1950-57

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• Document Page Count: 76
• Document Creation Date: December 27, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 9, 2013
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: November 1, 1958
• Content Type: REPORT

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SECRET
ECONOMIC INTELLIGENCE REPORT
N? 62
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POST AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES
IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA
1950-57
CIA/RR 154
November 1958
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND REPORTS
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SECRET
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WARNING
This material contains information affecting
the National Defense of the United States
within the meaning of the espionage laws,
Title 18, USC, Secs. 793 and 794, the trans-
mission or revelation of which in any manner
to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law.
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ECONOMIC INTELLIGENCE REPORT
PC6T AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA
1950-57
CIA/RR 154
(ORB Project 46.1963)
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
Office of Research and Reports
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FOREWORD
This report is concerned with those post and telecommunications
facilities and services in Czechoslovakia operated and controlled by
the Ministry of Communications. Other ministries operate functional
telecommunications systems such as those serving the armed forces,
shipping, railroads, and industry. These independent post and tele-
communications systems are not covered in this report. It must be
pointed out, however, that although the facilities and services covered
here are confined to those under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of
Communications, their use is not so restricted. The armed forces make
abundant use of this system, as do all ministries.
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CONTENTS
Summary and Conclusions
I. Introduction
II. Ministry of Communications
Page
3
3
A. Organization
3
B. Revenue
6
C. Investment
9
D. Manpower
11
1. Labor Force
11
2. Wages ,. . . ,
: .
.
13
3. Training
15
4. Labor Productivity
16
E. Equipment
16
1. Production
16
2. Imports
18
3. Exports
18
4. Technology
19
III.
Postal Services
20
IV.
Telephone and Telegraph Services
24
A. Telephone
24
B. Telegraph
29
1. Regular Telegraph
29
2. Subscriber Telegraph (TELEX) ....
. .
32
3. Facsimile .......... . .
. . .
1
32
. .
C. Common Telecommunications Facilities
33
1. Wirelines . . . .........
. .
. . .
33
2. Microwave
35
3. Point-to-Point Radio . . . . . .
....
. .
36
V.
Broadcasting Services
36
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Page
A. Radiobroadcasting 37
B. Television 43
C. Wire Diffusion 46
VI. Future Trends 47
Appendixes
Appendix A. Glossary of Technical Terms
Appendix B. Methodology
49
57
Tables
1. Estimated Total Post and Telecommunications Revenue of
the Ministry of Communications of Czechoslovakia,
1955-57
7
2. Estimated Investment by the Ministry of Communications
of Czechoslovakia, 1949-57 10
3. Estimated Average Number of Employees of the Ministry of
Communications of Czechoslovakia, 1950-57 12
A. Estimated Total Annual Wage Bill and Average Annual Wage
of Employees of the Ministry of Communication's of
Czechoslovakia, 1953-57 14
5. Estimated Number of Post Offices of the Ministry of
Communications of. Czechoslovakia, 1950-57 21
6. Estimated Volume of Letters and Packages Sent in Czecho-
slovakia, 1950-57 23
7. Estimated Number of Telephone Subscribers in Czecho-
slovakia, by Type of Line and by Type of Exchange,
1948-57
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8. Estimated Number of Local Telephone Calls
Handled by the Ministry of Communications
of Czechoslovakia, 1948-57
Page
26
9. Estimated Number of Interurban Telephone
Calls Handled over Facilities of the Ministry
of Communications of Czechoslovakia, 1948-57 . 27
10. Estimated Number of Telegrams Sent in Czecho-
slovakia, 1948-57 31
11. Estimated Length of Multiconductor Cable Lines
of the Ministry of Communications of Czecho-
slovakia, 1950-57 34
12. Estimated Number and Power of Domestic and
International Radiobroadcasting Transmitters
In Czechoslovakia, 1950-57 38
13. Estimated Number of Licensed Radiobroadcast
Receivers in Czechoslovakia, 1948-57. . . . . ? 39
14. Estimated Total Weekly Output of the Czechoslo-
vak International Radiobroadcasting Service to
Foreign Audiences, by Area and by Language,
1950, 1955, and 1957 42
15. Estimated Number of Licensed Television Re-
ceivers in Czechoslovakia, 1953-57 44
16. Estimated Number of Licensed Wired Loudspeakers
In Czechoslovakia, 1953-57
Illustrations
Figure 1. Czechoslovakia: Organization of the
Ministry of Communications, 1957
(Chart)
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Following Page
Figure 2. Czechoslovakia: Organization of the
Broadcasting System, 1957 (Chart) . . .
Figure 3. Czechoslovakia: Main Telephone Ex-
changes, 1957 -- Ministry of Communi- Inside
cations (Map) Back Cover
Figure 4. Czechoslovakia: Density of Telephone
Subscribers, by Area, August 1958 --
Ministry of Communications (Map) . . 24
Figure 5. Czechoslovakia: Domestic and Inter-
national Subscriber Telegraph Network,
August 1958 -- Ministry of Communica-
tions (Map) 32
Figure 6. Czechoslovakia: Main Telecommunications
Wirelines, August 1958 -- Ministry of Inside
Communications (Map) Back Cover
Figure 7 Czechoslovakia: Microwave Radio Relay
Network, August 1958 -- Ministry of
Communications (Map) 36
Figure 8. Czechoslovakia: International Radio-
telegraph Circuits, August 1958 --
Ministry of Communications (Map) . ? ? 36
Figure 9. Czechoslovakia: Domestic and Inter-
national Radiobroadcasting Stations,
August 1958 -- Ministry of Communica-
tions (Map)
Figure 10. Czechoslovakia: Television Stations,
August 1958 -- Ministry of Communica-
tions (Map)
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(Project 46.1963)
POST AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES IN CZECRC6L0VAKIA*
1950-57
Summary and Conclusions
Czechoslovakia emerged from World War II with a well-developed post
and telecommunications system which had suffered a minimum of war damage.
Since World War II and particularly since 1950) the system, under the
operation and control of the Ministry of Communications, has been further
expanded and improved. so that it is currently capable of meeting both the
domestic and the international needs of the country. A summary of the
present status and recent development of the post and telecommunications
system in Czechoslovakia follows:
Postal Volume
Radiobroadcast
(Milia
and
Reception IJjg
Radiobroedcest Receivers
Wired Loudspeakers)
Television
(Billion pieces)
(Thousend unlit)
1954 1[1.
1950
l
1 .1
1950
24
Il
1057
11.2
1957
1.5
1957 173
Telephone Calls
Interurban
Telephone Calls
(Million units)
Telegrams
(Million urnts)
(Million units)
1930
80
1950
t52
1950
1957
[1550
1957
/79
1957
10.3
Estimated gotaimp
(Billion Koruny")
(NUMMI
(Million Koruny'')
Employees
(Thousend)
19.50
b./f259
'1955
1 is
1950
6
1957
332
1957
3
1957
!3
* The estimates and conclusions in this report represent the best
judgment of this Office as of 1 August 1958. Technical terms are
defined In Appendix A, Glossary of Technical Terms.
** Except where otherwise indicated, koruny values in this report are
expressed in terms of 1955-57 koruny and may be converted to US dollars
at the official rate of exchange of 7.2 koruny to US $l. This exchange
rate, however, does not necessarily reflect the true dollar value.
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Because a substantial post and telecommunications base existed at
the end of World War II and because considerable progress has been
made in expanding the system since that time, Czechoslovakia now has
the most advanced public* post and telecommunications system in the
Sino-Soviet Bloc, as shown below.
Letters per Capita
57
20
F71
73
107
ts?0.0? ton0 tot
AO 40.
r
Interurban Telephone Calls
per Capita
3.8
7.0
OA 0? OS 0A
is? 0114 04
Cs ,109.
tta.A tf-v
Telegrams per Capita
1.0
assu 013 tal Ott
ea 00 toil ?
ttsis 0.0r
Telephone Subscribers
per Capita
.02
.0, n
.06
tot to,thottotob
00 00
Radiobroad cast Receivers
per Capita
.09
.04 ri
I-7 I I
.32
22
Tel
per
vision
Capita
oio
Receivers
.001
.037
013
00,000 00i 04e
?.0 00.
00 Itto,
o too col
oil 00?
* The term public in this report refers to the facilities and services
under the control of and.operated by the Ministry of Communications. It
does not refer to functional systems such as those serving the armed
forces, the state police, or other ministries.
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The Czechoslovak post and telecommunications system is outstanding
in the Sino-Soviet Bloc not only because of the volume of service per-
formed but also because of its efficiency and reliability. Although
there is ample room for improvement in the system, it is currently con-
sidered to be equivalent to those of most Western European countries.
Plans of the Ministry of Communications call fot an expansion and
improvement of the post and telecommunications system in Czechoslovakia
and emphasize automation, particularly in the telephone and telegraph
portions of the system. To a lesser extent, attention is to be devoted
to expanding the volume of service by the extension of existing facili-
ties. Judging by past performance, the Ministry of Communications is
capable of meeting its plan goals and thus will be able to improve even
further the quantity and quality of service available to the economy.
I. Introduction.
The purpose of this report is to discuss the status, operation, and
development of the public post and telecomMunications facilities and
services provided by the Ministry of Communications in Czechoslovakia.
Quantitative data are limited generally to the period 1948-57, but some
qualitative references to the historical development of the system are
Included in the text.
II. Ministry of Communications.
The primary responsibilities of the Ministry of Communications of
Czechoslovakia are to provide domestic and international telephone and
telegraph services through integrated wireline. and radio facilities;
domestic and international broadcasting services utilizing radio, tele-
vision, and wire-diffusion facilities; and domestic and international
postal services. The Ministry, furthermore; is responsible for techni-
'cal control and regulation of the functional telecommunications systems
operated by other ministries and agencies. 1/*
A. Organization.
The Ministry of Communications of Czechoslovakia was originally
named the Ministry of Post and Telegraph. This predecessor Ministry
was established shortly after World War I to provide .the country with
postal and telecommunications services. V Subsequently it delegated.
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to the Czechoslovak Post, one of its subSidiaries, authority to direct
and operate all public post and telecommunications services and facili-
ties.
Opera-
tional control of post and telecommunications services in Slovakia was
delegated by the General Directorate to the Slovakia Regional Directo-
rate.
On 8 April 1952 the Ministry of Post and Telegraph was renamed
the Ministry of Communications. 2/ Its organizational structure, how-
ever, remained unchanged until some time in 1953. At that time, it is
believed, the structure of the Ministry was reorganized, with emphasis
being placed on a decentralization of ministerial activities along
operational and administrative lines. The Czechoslovak Post with its
General Directorate was abolished and was replaced by three deputy
ministers with subordinate central administrations and central depart-
ments. g The Slovak Regional Directorate likewise was abolished and
was replaced by the Slovak Commission for Communications. All the
deputy ministers as well as the Slovak Commission for Communications
were made directly subordinate to the Minister of Communications. Since
Its reorganization in 1953 the organizationalstructure of the Ministry
has remained basically unchanged) it being one of the few ministries
not affected by the ministerial reorganizations that tools:place in
Czechoslovakia during.1956. The present organizational structure of
the Ministry of Communications is shown in Figure 1.** ?
The Minister of Communications in Czechoslovakia is Dr. Alois
Neumann. // Although not a member of the Communist Party, Dr. Neumann
has substantial control over the activities of the Ministry. The Com-
munist Party, however, maintains control of the Ministry to insure that
its policies are carried out. This control is probably exercised
through the deputy ministers, at least through Deputy Minister Laipert,
who is known to be an active Communist Party member.
The Minister is assisted in controlling the operations of the
Ministry by three deputy ministers -- Miroslav Laipert) Jarau Manak,
and Frantisek Petrasek. ?/ Althougn the specific activities which each
controls are not known, control of operational activities of the Min-
istry is vested in one deputy minister, and control of administrative
and staff activities is vested in the other two. The deputy ministers
** Following p. 4.
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CZECHOSLOVAKIA
ORGANIZATION OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS, 1957
Scientific Council
MINISTER
Slovak Commission
for Communications
DEPUTY MINISTER
CENTRAL DEPARTMENTS
Planning
HInternal Administration
Wages
Organization
Finance
27158 10-58
DEPUTY MINISTER
DEPUTY MINISTER
CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIONS CENTRAL DEPARTMENTS
Postal Affairs
Radio Communications
Special Technology
Long-Distance Cable
Telecommunications
Research Institute for
Telecommunications
Postal Newspaper
Services
Radio Communications
Research Institute for
Radio Communications
Department of
Stamp Collection
Department of
Motor Transport
Department of
Material Supply
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Investments
Technology
aiCommunications
Equipment and Assembly
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exercise control over their assigned duties through 6 central adminis-
trations and 8 central departments. In addition to their specific
duties, it is believed that all three deputy ministers assist the
Minister in coordinating the over-all activities of the Ministry.
Although the manner in which the six central administrations
carry out their responsibilities is not known, it is believed that
they exercise nationwide supervisory control of post and telecommu-
nications services in Czechoslovakia. In addition, they are believed
to direct and control, through district and regional offices, the
operational aspects of post and telecommunications in BoheMia/Moravia.
Direction and control of operational post and telecommunications
activities in Slovakia appears to be the responsibility of the Slovak
Commission for Communications.
The eight central departments control administrative and staff
activities of the Ministry. The central departments of planning, in-
ternal administration, wages, organization, and finance are subordinate
to one deputy minister, and the central departments of investments,
tedhnology, and communications equipment and assembly are subordinate
to the other. In the performance of their duties the central depart-
ments support the operational activities of the central administrations.
Research and development within the Ministry of Communications
is conducted by the Research Institute for Telecommunications, subor-
dinate to the Central Administration for Telecommunications, and by
the Research Institute for Radio Communications, subordinate to the.
Central Administration for Radio Communications. These institutes
receive their direction from the Scientific Council of the Minister
of Communications. The Scientific Council was established in 1954 and
is the supreme authority of the Ministry in the sphere of research
and development. 12/ Other government organizations operate their own
institutes for the research and development of electronics and tele-
communications equipment. 11/ These institutes maintain research and
development programs in support of the Ministry of Communications as
well as other government organizations.
Until recently, all broadcasting services in Czechoslovakia
were amalgamated under the Czechoslovak Broadcast Corporation. This
Corporation was subordinate to the Ministry of Education and Culture,
which had ultimate authority in the administrative, budgeting, and
programing policies of the Corporation. 12/ Broadcasting services
In Slovakia operated independently from those in Bohemia/Moravia, but
the Slovak system was also under the general control of the Corpora-
tion. 11/ Technical control over all broadcast operations was main-
tained by the Ministry pf Communications.
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In December 1957 the Czechoslovak Broadcast Corporation was
dissolved) and the Czechoslovak Committee for Radio and Television
was created. 1.11 The Committee, an independent organ of the government
believed to be directly subordinate to the Council of Ministers) was
made responsible for all broadcasting services in Czechoslovakia. The
reorganization maintained the independence of broadcasting services
in Slovakia from those in Bohemia/Moravia. Broadcasting services in
Slovakia were made subordinate to a newly created Slovak Committee for
Radio and Television, which was placed under the general control of 1
the Czechoslovak Committee for Radio and Television. 15/ The reorgani-
zation did not'affect the technical controls exercised by the Ministry
of Communications over all broadcast operations. The present organi-
zation of the Czechoslovak broadcast system is believed to be as shown
in Figure 2.*
Although the reorganization of the Czechoslovak broadcasting
system did not alter the basic pattern of broadcasting services, it
did establish a mechanism for a more efficient provision of service.
As an independent agency of the government) the Czechoslovak Committee
for Radio and Television has autonomy in establishing its administra-
tive, budgeting, and programing policies. This freedom of action
should eliminate frictiOnal and jurisdictional disputes which resulted
from the previous organizational structure of the broadcasting system.
The present organization of the Ministry of Communications in
Czechoslovakia appears to be consistent with its basic responsibilities
of providing public post and telecommunications services. The reor-
ganization in 1953 was the initial step in an effort to decentralize
many ministerial activities previously controlled in Prague. Since
the reorganization, the Ministry has recognized that a further decen-
tralization of its activities is a prerequisite for the expansion and
improvement of its services. With this as a goal, it has initiated
programs to simplify relationships among its individual components so
that decisions can be resolved at the basic working levels. ly Fur-
thermore, in 1958 the Ministry plans to organize regional economic
post and telecommunications units which will have full responsibility
for the administration and operation of post and telecommunications
activities in their respective regions. 17./ It is believed that the
ability of the Ministry of Communications to expand and improve service.
will be largely determined by the extent to which it achieves decen-
tralization.
B. Revenue.
Total revenue of the Ministry of Communications of Czecho-
slovakia, as shown in Table 1,** is estimated to have increased from
* Following p. 6.
** Table 1 follows on p. 7.
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Figure 2
CZECHOSLOVAKIA
ORGANIZATION OF THE BROADCASTING SYSTEM, 1957
Ministry of Fa
Communications
27159 10.58
COUNCIL
OF
MINISTERS
Czechoslovak Committee
for Radio and Television
Administrative Staff
Radio Section
Television Section
Slovak Committee
for Radio and Television
Administrative Staff
Radio Section
Television Section
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1.9 billion koruny in 1955 to 2.1 billion koruny in 1957, an increase
of about 11 percent. Although these figures are based on fragmentary
data, they nevertheless compare favorably with the post and telecommuni-
cations revenue of other Soviet Bloc countries during this period, 1L3/
Table 1
Estimated Total Revenue of the Ministry of Communications
,of Czechoslovakia 2/
1955-57
- Million Current Koruny
Postal revenue 2/
Telecommunications revenue 2/
_1955
1956
1957
805
Tie
844
822
120
-L---
1 184
Telephone 1/ .
839
873
915
Interurban and international 2/
572
603
635
Local I/ .
239
249
260
Installation B./
28
21
20
Telegraph 2/
56
58
60
Broadcast
173
189
209
Radiobroadcast
168
173
177
Television 1/
3
10
22
Wire diffusion
2
? 6
lo
Total post and telecommunications
revenue 1012 1,960 2,080
a. Totals are derived from unrounded data and may not agree with
the sum of their rounded components. All totals are rounded to
three significant digits.
b. . Estimated on the basis of postal revenue in the USSR, which was
approximately 43 percent of total revenue. 12/
c. The revenue for the various services was derived by applying
known and estimated telecommunications' price data to known and esti-
mated telecommunications service volumes.
d. Because of obscurities in the data reported, total telephone
revenue does not include a "base monthly rate" of 24 koruny for
"private residence subscribers" which is charged under certain un-
stated conditions.
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Table 1
Estimated Total Revenue of the Ministry of Communications
of Czechoslovakia
1955-57
(Continued)
e. Derived from interurban and international telephone calls from
both regular and leased telephone circuits. Revenue from regular
circuits was computed by multiplying the number of calls for 1955-56
from source 22/ and for 1957 from Table 9 (p. 27, below) by the
estimated average revenue of 6 koruny per call. Revenue from leased
circuits was assumed to be 25 percent of total interurban and inter-
national telephone revenue.
f. Computed by multiplying the number of local calls for 1955-56
from source 21/ and for 1957 from Table 8 (p. 26, below) by the esti-
mated average revenue of 0.4 koruny per local can.
g. Computed by multiplying the number of new telephone subscribers
by an estimated installation fee of 500 koruny. 22/
h. Derived from telegrams from both regular and leased telegraph
circuits. Revenue from regular circuits was computed by multiplying
the number of telegrams for 1955-56 and for 1957
from Table 10 (p. 31, below) by the estimated average revenue of
5.2 koruny per telegram. Revenue from leased circuits was assumed
to be 10 percent of total telegraph revenue.
i. Computed by multiplying the estimated midyear figure for radio-
broadcast receiver subscribers for 1955-57 from Table 13 (p. 39,
below) by the yearly subscriber tax of 60 koruny. 2L4/ .
j. Computed by multiplying the estimated midyear figure for tele-
vision receiver subscribers for 1955-57 from Table 15 (p. 44, below)
by the yearly subscriber tax of 180 koruny. 22/
k. Derived from wire-diffusion subscriber taxes and installation
fees. Revenue from subscribers was computed by multiplying the esti-
mated midyear figure for the number of subscribers for 1955-57 from
Table 16 (p. 46, below) by the yearly subscriber tax of 60 koruny.
Revenue from installation fees was computed by multiplying the esti-
mated midyear- figure for the number of new subscribers by the in-
stallation fee of 45 koruny per loudspeaker. ay
Of the total revenue received by the Ministry of Communications
In 1957, telecommunications services accounted for about 57 percent and
postal services for about 43 percent. Telephone revenue provided the
major portion of telecommunications revenue, accounting for about
77 percent. The percentage contributions to total telecommunications
revenue by broadcasting and telegraph services amounted to about 18 per-
cent and 5 percent, respectively.
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Beginning some time in 1958, radiobroadcast, television, and
wired loudspeaker subscription fees, heretofore collected by the Min-
istry of Communications, are to be collected by the Czechoslovak Com-
mittee for Radio and Television. 2// This change will not adversely
affect the revenue position of the Ministry of Communications, however,
as the Ministry is expected to receive payment commensurate with the
value of the services it provides.
The revenue of the Ministry of Communications Is expected to
Increase in the future at a rate in excess of that achieved during
1955-57. This increase will result primarily from expansion of the
volumes of telephone and broadcasting services. 21.3/
C. Investment.
The estimated annual investment in post and telecommunications
In Czechoslovakia, as shown in Table 2,* increased 163 percent) from
240 million koruny in 1949 to 632 million koruny in 1957. This growth
reflects the increasing emphasis being placed on the expansion of
post and telecommunications facilities and services in Czechoslovakia.
In deriving investment for post and telecommunications, refer-
ence was made to aggregate data available for the transportation and
the post and telecommunibations sectors of the economy for 1949-53.
During this period, investment in the post and telecommunications
sector averaged about 13 percent of the total. 29/ Although there
was a cutback in aggregate investment in these sectors during 1954-56,
it is believed that this cutback was almost entirely confined to the
transportation sector and that during this period investment in the
post and telecommunications sector continued to grow at about the
same rate as during 1949-53. It is estimated that this pattern of
growth continued through 1957.
Investment in the poet and telecommunications sector of the
Czechoslovak economy is increasing to meet the major goals of the
Second Five Year Plan (1956-60). These goals include expansion and
improvement of telephone, television, and interurban telecommunications
facilities and services. 22/ Telephone service is being expanded and
improved through the increased use of automatic and semiautomatic ex-
change equipment. 21/ The expansion of television service is being
achieved by the construction of additional television stations. Inter-
urban telecommunications facilities, consisting primarily of microwave
radio relay and coaxial cable lines, are being constructed to permit
the expansion and improvement of interurban telephone service and the
establishment of nationwide network television service. 22/ The
* Table 2 follows on p. 10.
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Table 2
Estimated Investment by the Ministry of Communications of Czechoslovakia 2/
1949-57
Million 1956 Koruny
1949
1950
1951
1952
1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
Telecommunications 2/
178
192
246
289 .
323
359
395
431
468
Post sj
62
67
86
101
113
126
139
152
164
Total
240/
259/
332/
390/
436 di
485!/
534 si
583!J
632!/
a. All data are rounded to the nearest million. '
b. Assuming that investment in telecommunications was equal to 74 percent of investment for
both post and telecommunications. 1./
c. Difference between total investment and telecommunications investment.
d. CommunicatiOns equaled 13 percent of investment for both transportation and communica-
tions.
e. Extrapolated by applying the average absolute growth shown during 1949-53.
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majority of these facilities are to be completed during the last 3 years
of the plan. As a consequence, investment during 1958-60 will be greater
than that during 1956-57.
D. Manpower.
1. Labor Force.
The labor force 6f the Ministry of Communications of Czecho-
slovakia, as shown in Table 3,* increased from about 46,000 employees
In 1950 to about 62,000 employees in 1957. This increase in personnel
of about 35 percent generally reflects the gradual and steady expansion
of post and telecommunications facilities and services which occurred
during the period.
In 1956, however, there was an unusually large increase in
the labor force. Although reasons for this increase are not known,
it does not appear to have been justified by the expansion of post and
telecommunications services and facilities whiCh occurred during 1956.
A further indication that growth in the labor force in 1956 was out of
line with the volume of service performed is found in an announcement
In December 1956 by the Ministry of Communications that a reduction in
its labor force would be effected in the future through a decentrali-
zation of Ministry activities. ly There is no information available
which indicates that the, intended reduction in the labor force was im-
plemented. It is assumed, therefore, that the labor force in 1957 was
held at the same level as in 1956.. Furthermore, it is believed .that
employment in the Ministry will not increase at an appreciable rate in
the future, as the planned increase in automation should enable the
future growth in volume of service to be accomplished without a large
increase in the labor force.
The post and telecommunications sector of the Czechoslovak
economy, as in the case of all the other economic sectors) has been
hampered since World War II by a continuous shortage of employable
males. 1// To meet this problem) the Ministry of Communications has
augmented its labor force by the recruitment of women. In 1955, 44 per-
cent of all employees of the Ministry of Communications were women.
This was higher than the percentage of women employed in the industrial
sectors of the economy but was comparable to the percentage of women
employed in other service sectors. ly The extensive use of female
labor probably has not hampered the operation of the Ministry, as many
jobs in the post and telecommunications sector can be performed equally
well by men or women. In 1955, for example; 4o percent of all mail
carriers in Czechoslovakia were women, yet their employment had no
* Table 3 follows on p. 12.
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Table 3
Estimated Average Number of Employees 2/ of the Ministry of Communications
of Czechoslovakia
1950-57
Thousand Units
1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957
Employees 46/ 47 2/ 49 2/ 52/ 52/ 57 2/ 622J 62/
a. Excluding apprentices.
b. Derived by assuming the ratio of the workers employed in communications to be
16 percent of the total number of workers employed in transportation and communi-
cations.
c. 40/
d. Assuming the same level of employment in 1957 as in 1956 because of the un-
usually large number of new employees in 1956 and of statements from the Ministry
of Communications which implied a desire to reduce the number of employees in
1957.
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adverse effect upon mail delivery service. Ili" It is believed that
other branches of the Ministry, within the limits of required skills,
also have had favorable results in their employment of female labor.
The over-all quality, efficiency, and performance of the
post and telecommunications labor force is considered to be good.112/
The existing shortages of qualified engineering and technical personnel
are not believed to be serious and have not impaired operations of the
Ministry. The expanding volume of post and telecommunications services
and the consistent fulfillment and overfulfillment of major plan goals
by the Ministry give support to this belief.
2. Wages.
Wage rates for employees of the Ministry of Communications
of Czechoslovakia are established in accordance with standard qualifi-
cations issued by the government. LI-1/ These standards are based upon
levels of education and experience and require the taking of examina-
tions. Employees qualifying are paid a predetermined basic wage and
have the opportunity to supplement it by premiums, commissions, and other
allowances established by the Ministry on the basis of performance. LOS
The Ministry does not use piecework as a basis of compensation.125,./
The average annual wage of employees of the Ministry of
Communications is lower than the average annual wage of employees in
other sectors of the economy. As shown in Table 4,* in 1957 the average
annual wage of post and telecommunications employees was about 13,860
koruny, whereas the average annual wage for the economy as a whole was
about 15,468 koruny. 161 The gap between these wage levels is believed
to be a result of the large proportion of relatively low-paid postal
employees. Specific groups of highly skilled employees in the Ministry --
such as the technicians who install, operate, and maintain the complex
telephone, telegraph, and broadcasting facilities of the Ministry --
receive substantially higher wages than postal employees, but their
number is small relative to the number of postal employees, and thus
their higher wage rates have little effect on the over-all wage level
of the Ministry.
Wages paid to post and telecommunications employees in-
creased about 16 percent from 1953 to 1957. Plans by the Ministry of
Communications for expanding automation in post and telecommunications
activities should increase labor productivity and lead to continued
wage increases for post and telecommunications employees.
* Table 4 follows on p. 14.
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Table 1t
?
Estimated Total Annual Wage Bill and Average Annual Wage
of Employees .2.1 of the Ministry of Communications
of Czechoslovakia
1953-57
1953 1954 1955 1956 1957
Total annual wage bill
(million current koruny) hi 624 665 719 821 859
Average annual mage
(current koruny) 12,000 2i 12,324 si 12,612 2/ 13,236 2/ 13;860 2/
a. Excluding apprentices,
b. Derived by multiplying the average 'annual wage by the estimated average annual num-
ber of employees.
c. Derived by multiplying average monthly wages by 12.
d. Assuming the same absolute increase for 1956-57 as for 1955-56.
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3. 'Training.
Skilled and competent employees are necessary for the effi-
cient operation of the post and telecommunications sector of the economy.
Cognizant of this, the Ministry of Communications of Czechoslovakia has
initiated employee training programs in both the basic and the technical
training schools which it operates. In addition, the Ministry sponsors
on-the-job and after-duty-hours training programs.
Training schools for regular employees are operated by the
Ministry at Trencianske Teplice, Trutnov, Rozmberk, Kosice, Blansko,
Varnsdorf, Brno, ?pave, and Bratislava. LIV The schools at Cleave and
Brno offer 2-year courses, whereas the other schools offer courses for
shorter periods. L12/ The Ministry also operates telecommunications
schools for apprentices. 22/ Apprentices attending these schools are
trained under simulated working conditions in the use and operation of
telecommunications equipment. 21/
The Ministry of Communications does not operate schools
offering advanced training in post and telecommunications 22/ -- such
training is provided by various universities and specialized schools
operated by the Ministry of Education and Culture. In 1956 there were
some 3,000 students majoring in the field of post and telecommunica-
tions at universities and specialized schools in Czechoslovakia. 21/
: On-the-job and after-duty-hours training programs are in-
tegral parts of the Ministry's training effort. 211/ These programs
help the employee to master the complex equipment, techniques, and
methods used in the post and telecommunications sector. Instructors
for these as well as other training programs operated by the Ministry
are recruited from among the outstanding employees of various post
and telecommunications enterprises. 22/
It istelieved that the training efforts of the Ministry
of Communications, supplemented by training available at universities
and specialized schools, are sufficient to meet the minimum techno-
logical requirements necessary for the efficient operation and main-
tenance of the post and telecommunications system in Czechoslovakia.
The planned expansion of this system and the accompanying introduction
of more complex equipment, however, will require continuing increases
In the level of technical skill and competence of Ministry employees.
Some shortages of highly skilled technicians exist, 2?/ but they have
not seriously hindered the operations of the Ministry to date, and
continued training efforts by the Ministry should result in their
elimination in the future.
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4. Labor Productivity.
Labor productivity for individual post and telecommunica-
tions services in the Ministry of Communications of Czechoslovakia
cannot be computed at this time) because of inadequate data on the
labor force. lAn aggregate measure of labor productivity) in terms of
average revenue per employee, however) has been derived and is shown
as follows:
Average annual revenue per
1955
1956
1957
employee (current koruny)*
32,860
31,680
33,500
Index of labor productivity
(1955 = 100)
100
96
102
The tabulation shows an over-all growth of 2 percent in
labor productivity between 1955 and 1957 in spite of a substantial
decline in labor productivity in 1956. The decline in 1956 was caused
by an unusually large increase in the labor force during the year,
which more than offset increases in total revenue.**
Labor productivity increased by about 6 percent in 1957)
and future increases commensurate with this increase are expected to
occur. These increases will result primarily from extensive automa-
tion planned for the telephone and telegraph networks of the Ministry
of Communications.
E. Equipment.
Czechoslovakia has a well-developed industry for manufacturing
electronics and telecommunications equipment. 27/ It is the third
largest producer of telecommunications equipment in the Soviet Bloc,
surpassed only by the USSR and East Germany) and its output of tele-
communications equipment is sufficient to meet most of the needs of
the Ministry of Communications. 2/ In addition, considerable equip-
ment is available for'other domestic users and for export. 22/
1. Production.
The electronics and telecommunications equipment industry
of Czechoslovakia is mainly of German origin. .Y2/ Before World War II,
4f See Tables 1 and 3, pp. 7 and 12, respectively, above, for data
on total revenue and total labor force.
** See 1, p. 11, above.
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plants which were subsidiaries of German firms were the major producers
of such equipment in the country. During the wartime occupation, Ger-
many needed large quantities of these types of equipment and provided
the manpower, investment funds, and raw materials necessary to expand
output. A further expansion of output was effected in the postwar
period. This expansion, however, although fairly rapid, was hampered
by recurrent shortages of skilled manpower and raw materials and by
a lack of modern manufacturing equipment. ,
At present the electronics and telecommunications equipment
industry in Czechoslovakia is believed to consist of about 70 plants
which produce a variety of products ranging from simple tubes to large
radiobroadcasting and jamming transmitters. These plants are controlled
by several ministries, including the Ministry of Precision Engineering,
the Ministry of Heavy Industry) and the Ministry of National Defense. ,?1./
Below the ministerial level, control is effected through a complex of
five nationalized corporations: Tesla) Bateria, Kablo) Skoda, and
Prazska Akumulatorka.
Currently, the electronics and telecommunications equip-
ment industry produces sufficient quantities and yarieties of tele-
communications equipment to meet almost all the primary needs of the
Ministry of Communications. Future plans of the industry, which in-
clude the development and production of more complex telecommunications
equipment, should facilitate the planned expansion of the system.
Czechoslovakia, East Germany, and Hungary, as member
nations of the Warsaw Pact, agreed in 1955 to divide the responsibility
for producing various types of telecommunications equipment. In 1956,
as a direct result of Soviet efforts to standardize telecommunidations
systems within the Soviet Bloc) Czechoslovakia) East Germany, Hungary,
and the USSR agreed to integrate and specialize their productive
efforts. Under the terms of the agreement, Czechoslovakia was to
specialize in television transmitters and receivers, East Germany in
radiobroadcasting transmitters and receivers, Hungary in carrier fre-
quency equipment, and the USSR in telephone equipment. Lq It is not
known to what extent these agreements have been carried out. It is
believed) however, that for the immediate future they will have no
serious effect upon the productive capability of the Czechoslovak
electronics and telecommunications equipment industry to meet most of
the equipment needs of the Ministry of Communications.
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2: Imports.
The Ministry of Communications of Czechoslovakia imports
electronics and telecommunications equipment from various Free World
and Soviet Bloc countries. These imports are needed to meet require-
ments for equipment not provided by domestic produdtion. Imports are
administered by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and are handled by a
national foreign trade corporation.
Imports of'equipment from Free World nations include
television equipment from France, _?.5/ radiobroadcasting equipment
from Great Britain, ?4./ various types of measuring equipment from
Sweden and Switzerland, al/ and teleprinters from West Germany. EY
Imports of-equipment from Soviet Bloc nations include microwave radio
relay equipment from East Germany and television receivers from
the USSR.
Czechoslovakia suffers from recurrent shortages of raw
materials. /1/ To meet its production requirements, the electronics
and telecommunications equipment industry must therefore import sub-
stantial quantities of raw materials. The USSR) Poland) and Hungary
are the predominant suppliers of raw materials, particularly non-
ferrous metals including copper, lead, zinc, and aluminum. /2/ Non-
Soviet Bloc nations are additional suppliers of raw materials, but to
a considerably lesser degree.
? It is expected that Czechoslovakia will continue to import
electronics and telecommunications equipment. A high level of imports
of raw materials is also expected to continue. These imports will be
required if planned increases in the production of electronics and
telecommunications equipment are to be met) and the increases are
necessary if planned goals for expanding the post and telecommunications
system are to be achieved.
3. Exports.
On balance, Czechoslovakia is a net exporter of electronics
and. telecommunications equipment. These exports) administered by the
Ministry of Foreign Trade and handled by a national foreign trade cor-
poration, are made principally to countries of the Sino-Soviet Bloc,
and to various underdeveloped areas. Although such exports appear to
be motivated primarily by economic considerations, it is evident that
long-range political considerations also influence the export policy
of Czechoslovakia) especially in trade with underdeveloped areas.
Czechoslovak exports contribute substantially to Sino-Soviet
Bloc requirements for telecommunications equipment. Exports to the Bloc
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have included high-powered radiobroadcasting transmitters to Poland,
Rumania, and Communist China; telephone equipment to the USSR; and
radio receivers and wired loudspeakers to Albania. /3/
- In the past few years, Czechoslovakia has succeeded in
penetrating the markets for electronics and telecommunications equip-
ment of many underdeveloped countries. The primary reason for success
Is the policy of offering competitively favorable terms of trade, in-
cluding low prices and long-term credit. This policy has resulted in
the export of fairly large quantities of radiobroadcasting and tele-
phone equipment to various Middle Eastern countries) including Egypt,
Syria, and Afghanistan) IL/ and of telecommunications equipment to
Greece, Turkey, and India. /2/ Attempts by Czechoslovakia to penetrate
Latin American markets culminated in 1957 in a very attractive offer
to expand the telephone network of Uruguay. 15./ This offer, however,
has been withdrawn because of internal financing problems in Czecho-
slovakia. /1/
The export policy of Czechoslovakia with regard to the
penetration of markets for electronics and telecommunications equipment
in underdeveloped countries is believed to be influenced both by
political and economic considerations?. Politically, the successful
penetration of these markets could eventually lead to Communist access
to telecommunications facilities in these areas. Economically) pene-
tration of these areas would make them dependent upon Czechoslovakia
for future shipments of spare parts and additional equipment. The
offer to expand the Uruguayan telephone network, for example, would
have given Czechoslovakia access to all telephone lines in Montevideo
for 4 years, in addition to making Uruguay dependent upon Czechoslo-
vakia for additional telephone equipment and needed spare parts. /11/
Future Czechoslovak exports of telecommunications equipment
are expected to remain at a high level, primarily because of Sino-
Soviet Bloc requirements for electronics and telecommunications equip-
ment but also in part because of anticipated further efforts to pene-
trate markets of underdeveloped countries.
4. Technology.
Research and development programs in the Ministry of Commu-
nications of Czechoslovakia are conducted by the Research Institute for
Telecommunications and the Research Institute for Radio Communications.
The Research Institute for Telecommunications is responsible for the
development of equipment which will aid in the maintenance and improve-
ment of telephone and telegraph facilities. Development of equipment
for the maintenance and improvement of broadcasting services is the
responsibility of the Research Institute for Radio Communications. At
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the present time there is no research and development institute for
postal technology.
Besides the research institutes maintained by the Ministry
of Communications) both the military sector of the economy and the
sector concerned with manufacturing 'electronics and telecommunications
equipment maintain research institutes for the development of elec-
tronics and telecomtunications equipment. Research programs for the
development of military telecommunications equipment in Czechoslovakia
are conducted by the Military Technical Institute, whereas various
Institutes of the nationalized corporations Tesla and Skoda conduct
research programs for the development of equipment for the industry
manufacturing electronics and telecommunications equipment. /2/
In the last decade, Czechoslovakia has made substantial
progress in the research and development of electronics and telecommu-
nications equipment. In the past, research programs were geared gener-
ally toward developing equipment originated by Free World nations)
but present-day research programs emphasize original research. It is
believed that the level of technology in Czechoslovakia in the field
of electronics and telecommunications equipment is adequate to support
an expanding and improving post and telecommunications sector.
III. Postal Services.
Postal service is available throughout Czechoslovakia. Service is
provided by a nationwide network of main post offices, railroad post ?
offices, and rural post offices. There is a main post office in each
of the country's 270 political okreses (districts). Attached to these
main post offices are 32 railroad post offices. ,gC/ In addition, rural
post offices, which act as substations for main post offices, have been
established throughout the country to insure that no inhabitant is more
than 3 kilometers (km) from a post office. ?1/ The number of post
offices in Czechoslovakia is shown in Table 5.*
Total postal volume in Czechoslovakia is composed of letters, pack-
ages) money orders, and newspapers and periodicals. Of this total,
newspapers and periodicals are believed to comprise the major portion,
even though volume data are available only for letters and packages.
The assumption that newspaper and periodical volume composes the largest
share of the total is based on analogy with other Soviet Bloc countries.
By the same analogy, money order volume is believed to be negligible.
.Beginning in 1953) the responsibility for the distribution of domes-
tic newspapers and periodicals was vested in a Postal Newspaper Department
* Table 5 follows on p. 21.
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Table 5
Estimated Number of Post Offices of the Ministry of Communications
of Czechoslovakia 2/ .
1950-57
Post offices
1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957
3,546 3,558 3,569 3,621 3,710 3,819 3,998 4,177 12/
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of the Central Administration for Postal Affairs of the Ministry of
Communications. pj./ This responsibility was shifted to a Central
Administration for Postal Newspaper Service in January 1957. 111.11/ The
responsibility for other postal services still remains with the Cen-
tral Administration for Postal Affairs. Ei2/ The distribution and for-
warding of foreign newspapers and periodicals rests with the National
Publishing House. .?./ Plans indicate; however; that the Ministry of
Communications will assume this responsibility some time in the future.1141/
The total volume of letters and packages, as shown in Table 6,*
has increased steadily since 1950, with the exception of a slight de-
cline in 1953. The decline in 1953 is believed to have been caused by
internal disorders and by the government reorganization that occurred
during that year. It is assumed that other service volumes have
followed a similar pattern since 1950.
The postal system also provides postal savings service; collects
radiobroadcasting, wired loudspeaker, and television subscription
fees; and handles governMent pensions. 21 In the future, responsi-
bility for the collection of broadcasting subscription fees is to be
turned over to the Czechoslovak Committee for Radio and Television.
The postal system of Czechoslovakia does not employ modern postal
techniques -- for example, most cancellation of mail is done by hand,
and manually operated machines are employed in handling mail. The
lack of modern equipment can be attributed in part to the lack of a
developmental organization for postal technology. It was planned to
assign three engineers in 1957 to survey this problem, but to date no
results of their activities have been observed. 89/
Postal service in Czechoslovakia is efficient in spite of the lack
of mechanization. Major industrial cities such as Prague, Brno, and
Bratislava have three deliveries of mail per day. In addition, losses
of mail have been slight -- for example, only 16.5 out of every million
special delivery items handled during 1955 were lost. Parcel post
losses in 1955 amounted to only 10.6 items out of every million. 22/
The Second Five Year Plan (1956-60) calls for a 20-percent increase
In the number of post offices and for the introduction of postal mechani-
zation. 21/ Through mechanization the Ministry of Communications hopes
to improve domestic mail delivery so that a letter will reach its desti-
nation no later than 1 day after mailing. 22/ The planned increase in
post offices and the introduction of mechanization should substantially
improve postal service in Czechoslovakia.
* Table 6 follows on p. 23.
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Table 6
Estimated Volume of Letters and Packages Sent
in Czechoslovakia 2/
1950-57
Million Units
Letters
1950
1951
1952
1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
Ordinary
998
1,103
1,149
1,126
1,174
1,261
1,311
1,361 h/
Registered
38
41
44
45
53
59
64
69 1,/
Packages 2/
23
25
26
25
25
26
26
26W
Total volume
1,059
1,169
1,219
1,196
1,252
1,3146
1,1401
1,1456
a. All data are rounded to the nearest million.
b. Assuming the same absolute increase for 1956-57 as for 1955-56.
c. Including letters containing valuables.
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IV. Telephone and Telegraph Services.
Telephone and telegraph services in Czechoslovakia are provided by
the Ministry of Communications through the Use of an extensive wireline
network supplemented by microwave radio relay and point-to-point radio
facilities. The telephone and telegraph system in Czechoslovakia is
well developed and is considered superior to that of other Soviet Bloc
countries. The system provides adequate service to meet the needs of
government and industry. In addition, considerable service is avail-
able for use by private consumers. Of these services, telephone is
the more extensive, as shown by the substantially greater volume of
telephone calls made than telegrams sent. Future plans call for ex-
panding and improving both telephone and telegraph services.
A. Telephone.
Czechoslovakia has a well-developed telephone system, ranking
first among the countries of the Sino-Soviet Bloc. In terms of geo-
graphic coverage, telephone service (as shown on the map, Figure 3*)
Is available in all areas of Czechoslovakia.2Ii/ The density of tele-
phone coverage, however, (as shown on the map, Figure 4**) varies rather
markedly between krajs,*** with the heaviest concentration in the krajs
of Bohemia/Moravia and in Bratislava kraj. 22/ The same general pattern
of distribution for local, interurban, and international telephone calls
also exists.
There was a considerable expansion in the telephone system in
Czechoslovakia between 1948 and the end of 1957. During thie period,
as shown in Table 7,**** the number of telephone subscribers increased
by about 92 percent, so that there are estimated to have been 743,000
telephone subscribers in the country by the end of 1957. During this
same period, as shown in Tables 8 and 9,t the number of local tele-
phone Calls increased bY about 55 percent to a total of 650 million in
1957, and the number of interurban and international calls increased
by about 120 percent to a total of 79 million in 1957.
The local Czechoslovak telephone network is highly automatized.
In 1948, about 60 percent of all telephone subscribers were connected
to automatic telephone exchanges. The number of automatic exchange
connections has grown steadily since then, as shown in Table 7, andtt
* Inside back cover
** Following p. 24.
*** Krajs are major subdivisions
and Slovakia.
**** Table 7 follows on p. 25.
t Tables 8 and 9 follow on pp.
tt Continued on p. 28.
of the provinces of Bohemia, Moravia,
26 and 27, respectively, below.
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CZECHOLOVAKIA
Density of Telephone Subscribers
by Area, August 1958
Ministry of Communications ,
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Table' 7
Estimated Number of Telephone Subscribers in Czechoslovakia
by Type of Line and by Type of Exchange 2/
1948-57
Thousand Units
Year
Subscribers
by Type of Line
Total
Subscribers
by Type of Exchange
Private Party
Automatic
Manual
1948
221
165
386
233
153
1949
233
187
420
250
170
1950
245
206
451
274
177
1951
255
223
478
315
163
1952
262
257
519
358
161
1953
269
286
555
407
148
1954
281
326
607
451
156
1955
297
365
662
509
153
1956
316
387
703
550
153
1957
33'W
1409W
743 2/_
594 1/
11492/
a. All data are rounded to three significant digits.
b. Assuming the same percentage relationship of main and secondary subscriber lines
to total subscriber lines for 1957 as,for11956.
c.
d. Extrapolated, using graphic analysis.
e. The difference between the total number of telephone subscribers and the number
of subscribers served by automatic exchanges.
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Table 8
Estimated Number of Local Telephone Calls Handled
by the Ministry of Communications of Czechoslovakia Ls/
1948-57
Million Units
Year
Bohemia/Moravia
_Slovakia
Total
1948
379
40.2
419
1949
385
47.3
433
1950
415
65.2
480
1951
431
71.0
502
1952
441
75.9
517
1953
459
71.2
530
1954
496
81.5
577
1955
512
86.3
598
1956
530
93.6
624
1957
552 ly
97.5 32/
65o 2/
a. All data are rounded to three significant digits.
b. Assuming the same percentage relationship of local calls in
? Bohemia/Moravia and in Slovakia to total calls for 1957 as for 1956.
c. Assuming the same absolute increase fOr 1956-57 as for 1955-56.
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Table 9
Estimated Number of Interurban Telephone Calls
Handled over Facilities of the Ministry of Communications
of Czechoslovakia 2/
1948-57
Million Units
Year
Bohemia/Moravia
Slovakia
Total 11/
1948
30.4
5.7
36.1
1949
36.8
7.9
44.7
1950
42.0
9.5
51.5
1951
45.8
11.2
57.0
1952
47.2
12.3
59.5
1953
49.6
13.2
62.8
1954
53.7
14.5
68.2
1955
56.2
15.4
71.6
1956
59.0
16.5
75.5
1957
62.0
2/
17.4
2/
79.4
4/
a. All data are rounded to three significant digits.
b. Of this total, international
the calls for all years. 100/
c. Assuming the same percentage
Moravia and in Slovakia to total
d. Extrapolated by applying the
calls represent less than 1 percent of
relationship of calls in Bohemia/
calls for 1957 as for 1956.
absolute &mirth shown during 1955-56.
?
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It is estimated that by the end of 1957 80 percent of all tele-
phone subscribers in Czechoslovakia were connected to automatic ex-
changes.
Automatic interurban and international telephone service is
not available in Czechoslovakia. With the exception of semiautomatic
interurban telephone facilities between Prague and Brno and between
Prague and Bratislava, all domestic interurban telephone exchange
facilities are manually operated. 101/ Similarly, all international
telephone facilities, with the exception Of the semiautomatic facili-
ties between Prague and Warsaw, are manually operated. 102/
The expansion and automatization of the telephone system has
been confined primarily to urban areas of the country. 103/ In 1953
it was reported that all obecs (rural administrative units subordinate
to okreses) in the country had been supplied with telephone service. 104/
In spite of this implied progress in rural telephone coverage, in 1956
it was reported that 20 percent of the machine tractor stations, 25
percent of the state farms, and 65 percent of the cooperative farms had
no telephone service. 105/ A considerable addition to telephone facili-
ties in rural areas will be required before all areas of the country
have adequate telephone service. An indication that this will not
occur for some time is given in plans for the future expansion of tele-
phone service. These plans give priority to the expansion of urban
telephone service "in keeping with (over-all) planned economic develop-
ment." 106/
Although the Czechoslovak telephone system is superior to that
of other Soviet Bloc countries, it still has some serious shortcomings.
The Ministry of Communications stated in 1956 that the telephone system
in Czechoslovakia lagged behind the development of other sectors of the
economy. This lag was considered harmful to the development of the
national economy and detrimental to national defense. Furthermore, it
was stated that the telephone system was not meeting the needs of private
consumers. 107/ This latter criticism appears to be most applicable
to telephone service in rural areas.
An indication of inefficiency in interurban telephone service
is provided by delays involved in completing interurban calls. The
following tabulation shows the percentage of interurban calls delayed
in 1956 in one large unidentified interurban telephone exchange 108/:
Percent of Calls Delayed Delay in Minutes
15 0 to 2
25 3 to lo
30 11 to 3o
13 31 to 60
17 Above 6o
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As indicated by the above data, 60 percent of interurban telephone calls
placed were delayed more than 10 minutes, and more than 30 percent were
delayed more than 30 minutes. The excessive delay encountered in com-
pleting an interurban can from this exchange reportedly was the primary
factor causing cancellation of 10 percent of the interurban calls placed.
Assuming that the interurban exchange under study is typical, the data
Indicate that the number of interurban calls made in Czechoslovakia
could have been increased by nearly 8 million calls in 1957 by reducing
the time required to complete a call.
The primary deficiency of the telephone system as a whole appears
to be the lack of exchange facilities. A secondary deficiency arises
from the fact that many of the automatic exchanges currently in use are
antiquated and inefficient, resulting in poor service. 109/
Plans call for the addition of 200,000 telephone subscribers in
Czechoslovakia by the end of 1960. 110/ These subscribers are to be
connected to automatic exchanges, bringing the number of automatic con-
nections to 84 percent of the total. 111/ Semiautomatic interurban
telephone facilities also will become more widely available by the end
of 1960. The fulfillment of these plans will result in a marked improve-
ment in the availability, speed, and quality of telephone servdce in
Czechoslovakia. Long-range plans by the Ministry of Communications re-
portedly envisage a "telephone paradise" in Czechoslovakia in 15 years.
Under this plan the country is to be divided into districts, each of
which will have fully automatic local telephone exchanges and semiauto-
matic or fully automatic interurban exchanges. 112/
B. Telegraph.
The telegraph network in Czechoslovakia provides regular tele-
graph, subscriber telegraph (TFLFX*), and facsimile service. Facilities
of this network, which are usually housed in post offices throughout
the country, provide both domestic and international telegraph service.
Traffic passed over this network is carried by wireline facilities used
in common with the telephone system as well as wireline facilities used
exclusively for telegraph purposes.
1. Regular Telegraph.
Regular telegraph 'facilities of the Ministry of Communica-
tions of Czechoslovakia are extensive. Service is available on a
* TELEX is a term applied to a system of subscriber telegraph used in
European countries. As Czechoslovakia has a subscriber telegraph net-
work interconnected with this European network, the term TELEX is used
In this report to describe the Czechoslovak network.
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nationwide basis and is considered adequate to meet the needs of the
country. Teletype apparatus is used predominantly, and semiautomatic
or automatic exchange facilities are available at most telegraph sta-
tions. 113/ Approximately 60 percent of the telegraph traffic is
transmitted over wirelines used in common with the telephone system
and 40 percent over wirelines used exclusively for telegraph service. 114/
The volume of telegrams sent in Czechoslovakia, as shown
in Table 10,* grew from 7.5 million in 1948 to 10.3 million in 1957,
an increase of 37 percent. In terms of the geographic distribution
of service volumes, Bohemia/Moravia has consistently accounted for
about 73 percent of the total and Slovakia for about 27 percent.
The regular telegraph network in Czechoslovakia is one of
the most advanced in the Sino-Soviet Bloc, a result of the widespread
use of teletype apparatus and semiautomatic and automatic exchange
facilities. 115/ As an example of speed of service, regular telegrams
can be sent from Prague to all parts of Slovakia within 2 to 3 hours. 116/
It is reported that about 80 percent of all telegrams sent in Czecho-
slovakia are transmitted between terminal stations immediately, the
remaining 20 percent being temporarily delayed. 117/
In the future, major emphasis will be placed on converting
terminal facilities of local telegraph stations to semiautomatic and
eventually automatic operations. 118/ When this conversion is com-
pleted, a fully automatic regular telegraph system in Czechoslovakia
will result. 119/
The Ministry of Communications is considering combining
regular telegraph and TELEX wireline and terminal facilities in order
further to improve both services. The lack of telegraph circuit
capacity and the lack of special terminal equipment appear to be the
factors which prevent combining the facilities of these two services
at the present time. 120/ These limiting factors are not considered
serious, and it is anticipated that the two networks will be merged
some time in the future. 121/
The regular telegraph network of the Ministry of Communi-
cations is expected to continue to meet the expanding needs of the
economy. Plans call for the introduction of automation on a wide
scale, and thus improvements in both speed and efficiency of regular
telegraph service can be expected.
* Table 10 follows on p. 31.
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Table 10
Estimated Number of Telegrams Sent in Czechoslovakia
1948-57
w
Million Units
Year
Bohemia/Moravia
Slovakia
Total
1948
5.5
2.0
7.5
1949
5.7
2.1
7.8
1950
5.9
2.3
8.2
1951
6.1
2.5
8.6
1952
6.3
2.5
8.8
1953
6.5
2.5
9.0
1954
6.9
2.5
9.4
1955
7.1
2.5
9.6
1956
7.4
2.6
10.0
1957
7.612/
2.7 I)/
10.3 2/
a. All data are rounded to the nearest hundred thousand.
b. Assuming the same percentage relationship of telegrams sent in
Bohemia/Moravia and in Slovakia to total telegrams for 1957 as for 1956.
c. Extrapolated by applying the average absolute growth shown during
1948-56. .
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2. Subscriber Telegraph (TELEX).
In addition to the regular telegraph network, there is a
well-developed TELEX network in Czechoslovakia which is operated and
maintained by the Ministry of Communications and provides direct do-
mestic telegraph service for enterprises located in most major cities
and towns in the country. In addition, the network is integrated with
Western European and Soviet Bloc TELEX networks. 123/
The domestic TELEX network in Czechoslovakia provided
service in 1957 to about 1,000 subscribers located in about 250 cities
and towns in Czechoslovakia. 124/ Approximately 78 percent of these
subscribers were located in Bohemia/Moravia and 22 percent in Slovakia. 125/
Major facilities of the domestic and international TELEX network, as
shown on the map, Figure 5,* consist of 13 automatic and 9 manual ex-
changes located in 20 cities. The main switching center for traffic
in Bohemia/Moravia is in Prague. Bratislava serves as the main switch-
ing center for traffic in Slovakia. In Slovakia, all subscriber lines
are connected to automatic exchanges, whereas in Bohemia/Moravia only
about 53 percent of subscriber lines are so connected. 126/ The com-
plete automation of exchanges in Slovakia probably results from the
more recent introduction of TELEX into this area.
Plans scheduled for completion by the end of 1960 can for
a 50-percent increase in the number of TELEX stations in Czechoslovakia
and the automation of at least 6 stations in Bohemia/Moravia currently
operating with manual exchange equipment. 127/ Implementation of these
plans will enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and speed of domestic
TELEX service in Czechoslovakia.
3. Facsimile.
Although little information is available concerning fac-
simile services and facilities in Czechoslovakia, it is believed that
domestic facsimile service is available between all major cities in
the country and that international facsimile service is available to
all major European countries. The basis for this assumption is the
existence of the well-developed domestic and international telephone
and telegraph system in Czechoslovakia which is capable of providing
such service. It is known that international facsimile service is
available from Czechoslovakia to Switzerland, the UK, and India. Plans
of the Ministry of Communications call for an increase in facsimile
service in the future, but the extent of this increase is not known. 128/
* Following p. 32.
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C. Common Telecommunications Facilities.
Common telecommunications facilities in Czechoslovakia consist
of wireline, microwave radio relay, and point-to-point radio facilities.
Of these facilities, wirelines are the most important in providing
domestic and international telephone and telegraph service. Point-to-
point radio facilities, used primarily as reserve facilities in domestic
operation, provide some international telephone and telegraph service.
Microwave radio relay facilities are predominantly employed in providing
network television service.
1. Wirelines.
The wireline network of Czechoslovakia, operated and main-
tained by the Ministry of Communications) is the major medium employed
in providing domestic and international telephone and telegraph service.
It is also used to relay radiobroadcasting programs. Domestic wireline
facilities extend to all urban areas and to most rural areas of Czecho-
slovakia. International wireline facilities extend to all countries
bordering Czechoslovakia.
The interurban wireline network, as shown on the map,
Figure 6,* consists of open wire and multiconductor cable. Most multi-
conductor cable lines are underground and provide the main connections
between major cities in Czechoslovakia. Many of the multiconductor
cable routes are paralleled by open wirelines. Open wirelines also
are used to provide connections between main trunklines and td less
populated areas.
Growth in multiconductor cable lines, as shown in Table 11,**
has been relatively stable since 1950, averaging more than 600 km a
year. There are estimated to have been 10,900 km of multiconductor
cable lines in use by the end of 1957 in Czechoslovakia, 70 percent of
which was concentrated in Bohemia/Moravia and 30 percent in Slovakia.
The size and capacity of main multiconductor cables in
Czechoslovakia are comparable to those of most Western European coun-
tries, ranging from 28 quads to 78 quads, with an average of 52 quads
on main interurban lines. 129/ The capacity of these lines is aug-
mented by carrier frequency telephone equipment providing 3, 8, and
12 telephone channels. 130/
Circuit capacity of the wireline network in Czechoslovakia
is adequate to meet official requirements and allow additional capacity
* Inside back cover.
** Table 11 follows on p. 34.
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Table 11
Estimated Length of Multiconductor Cable Lines of the Ministry of Communications
of Czechoslovakia 1./
? 1950-57
Bohemia/Moravia (thousand
1950
1951
1952
1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
,
kilometers)
4.0 12/
4.5 2/
4.9 s/
5.6
2/
6.1
2/
6.8 2/
7.2 2/
7.6
2/
Percent of total
72
72
70
68
69
70
70
70
Slovakia (thousand kilometers)
1.6 h/
1.7 st
2.0 E/
2.5
2/
2.8
2/
2.9 c/
3.0 s/
3.3
2/
Percent of total
28
28
30
32
31
30
30
30
Total length of multiconductor
cable lines (thousand kilo-
meters)
62/
6.3 s/
7.0 2/
8.22/
8.9
2/
9.7 s/
10.32/
10.92/
a. All data are derived from unrounded figures and are rounded to the nearest hundred kilometers.
b. Extrapolated by applying the same percentage relationship of the length of cable lines of Bohemia/
Moravia and of Slovakia to the total length of cable lines as that shown for 1951.
c. 131/
d. Assuming the same absolute increase for 1956-57 as for 1955-56.
e. Extrapolated by applying the same percentage relationship of the length of cable lines to the length
of cable routes for 1950 as for 1951 (the length of cable routes in 1950 was 4,500 kilometers and in
1951, 5,000 kilometers 132/).
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for use by private consumers. Future development of the wireline net-
work is to include the continued expansion of multiconductor cable lines
and the introduction of some coaxial cable lines. 133/ As the cost of
installing and maintaining coaxial cable lines does not generally com-
pare favorably with that of microwave radio relay, it is believed that
future emphasis will be placed on the expansion of microwave radio relay
facilities rather than of coaxial cable.
2. Microwave.
The microwave radio relay network in Czechoslovakia provides
domestic and international television service and, in addition, some
domestic telephone and telegraph service. The first lines of this net-
work in the country became operational in December 1956 between Prague
and Ostrava. 134/ The network, as shown on the map, Figure 7,* has
grown rapidly since then. Prague, Hradec Kralove, Brno, Ostrava, and
Bratislava are now interconnected by means of 2-way microwave circuits,
and a 1-way microwave circuit exists between Ostrava and Presov. 135/
International microwave radio relay circuits connect Czechoslovakia
with East Germany, Poland, and Austria. 136/
Microwave radio relay equipment used in Czechoslovakia has
been imported from France, East Germany, and the USSR. 137/ By 1959,
domestically produced microwave radio relay equipment is to be avail-
able. This equipment is to be employed initially on the Bratislava -
Banska Bystrica microwave radio relay line. 138/
Although the microwave network is used primarily to relay
television programs, some of the lines are also equipped to carry tele-
phone and telegraph traffic. The Prague-Brno microwave radio relay
line utilizes French terminal equipment providing 48 telephone channels.
Other microwave lines are believed to be equipped with 24-telephone
channel terminal equipment obtained from Swiss and UK companies. The
use of microwave radio relay facilities to carry telephone and telegraph
traffic, however, is still limited, and trouble is being encountered
In the use of these facilities. 139/
Plans indicate a desire to expand the television network
in Czechoslovakia and to increase the capacity of interurban telephone
and telegraph facilities. Both microwave radio relay and coaxial cable
have been mentioned as the mediums to be employed in effecting these
plans. It is believed that microwave radio relay rather than coaxial
cable will be selected for these purposes because of cost considerations
and the planned domestic production of microwave equipment.
* Following p. 36.
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In addition to microwave facilities, there have been indi-
cations that very high frequency (VHF) radio relay facilities are used
for domestic telephone traffic. 140/ It is believed, however, that
the interest of the-Ministry of Communications in developing a VHF
network largely has disappeared since the development of the microwave
radio relay network in Czechoslovakia.
3. Point-to-Point Radio.
Point-to-point radio facilities in Czechoslovakia are used
primarily to provide international telephone and telegraph service.
The map, Figure 8,* shows international circuits operating between
Czechoslovakia and other parts of the world. 1)?1/ Terminal facilities
for high-frequency international circuits are located in Prague, with
main transmitting facilities at Podebrady and main receiving facili-
ties at Tehov. Low-frequency terminal facilities are located at Liblice
and Satalice. 142/ Twenty-four direct International point-to-point
radio circuits were active during 1957 and the first half of 1958. The
volume of traffic handled by international radio telegraph circuits is
estimated to be about 600,000 telegrams annually. 143/ No traffic
statistics for international telephone service are available.
Domestic point-to.point radio facilities of the Ministry
of Communications in Czechoslovakia are limited and are used almost
exclusively for reserve purposes. The wireline and microwave radio
relay networks provide adequate capacity for domestic traffic. There
are no indications that domestic or international point-to-point radio
facilities will expand in the future.
V. Broadcasting Services.
The Czechoslovak broadcasting system is composed of networks for
domestic and international radiobroadcasting, television, and wire
diffusion. The radiobroadcasting network is the most extensive, pro-
viding domestic service throughout Czechoslovakia and international
service to Europe, North and South America, Australia, New Zealand,
and the Arab countries. The television and wire-diffusion networks
are still in the early stage of development but are being expanded
rapidly.
The reception base of the domestic broadcasting system in 1957
consisted of more than 3.3 million receivers, of which almost 3 mil-
lion were radiobroadcast receivers, 173,000 were television receivers,
and 180,000 were wired loudspeakers.
* Following p. 36.
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Figure 7
fa
2
.,
C..n
al\
. ?
CZECHOSLOVAKIA
i
MICROWAVE RADIO RELAY NETWORK, AUGUST 1958
_
I --, it._ ,
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EA T GERIMANY it ' ?
c
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P 0 L A N
Ministry of Communications
i
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operation
Temporary operation
i "96?) Planned -
Vire Shute the year IA Otto% a natio "Soy lime bare open:Oro or I e planned to bran creertity.
MICROWAVE STATIONS
TERMINAl inky
I
I ? In operation 0
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es greed
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Table 13
Estimated Number of Licensed Radiobroadcast Receivers
in Czechoslovakia W
1948-57
Thougand Units
Year
Bohemia/Moravia
Slovakia
Total
1948
1,880
232
2,110
1949
1,990
269
2,260
1950
2,100
319
2,420
1951
2,180
365
2,540
1952
2,240
399
2,640
1953
2,260
415
2,680
1954
2,300
442
2,740
1955
2,360
484
2,840
1956
2,390
525
2,920
1957
2,440
53512/
2,970w
a. All data are rounded to three significant digits. Totals are derived
from unrounded data and may not agree with the sum of their rounded com-
ponents.
b. Assuming the same percentage relationship of radiobroadcast receivers
in Bohemia/Moravia and in Slovakia to total radiobroadcast receivers for
1957 as for 1956.
c' 122/
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The Czech radiobroadcasting network consists of 18 AM trans-
mitters and 1 FM transmitter. With the exception of one low-frequency
transmitter, all AM transmitters in the Czech network operate in the
medium-frequency range. The most powerful transmitters in this net-
work are located at Liblice, Melnik, Uherske Hradiste, and Brno/Dobro-
chov. The following tabulation shows the location, power, and frequency
,of transmitters in the Czech network 151/:
Location of Transmitters
Power
(Kilowatts)
Frequency
(Kilocycles)
Brno/Dobrochov
100
953
Ceske Budejovice
5
1,520
Ceske Budejovice
N.A.
953
Gottwaldov
N.A.
1,484
Hradec Kralove
2
701
Jihlava
2
1,484
Karlovy Vary'
15
701
Liberec
0.5
701
Liblice
120
638
Melnik
100
1,286
Uherske Hradiste
200
272
Olomouc
N.A.
1,594
Ostrava
20
1,520
Pardubice
N.A.
701
Plzen
15
. 953
\
Plzen
N.A.
1,484
Prague
2
1,520
Usti nad Labem
2
1,232
Prague (FM)
0.5
89,500
The Slovak radiobroadcasting network is composed of 9 AM trans-
mitters, all of which broadcast in the medium-frequency range. The most
powerful transmitters in the Slovak network are located at Velke Kosto-
lany, Banska Bystrica, and Kosice. The following tabulation shows the
location, power, and frequency of transmitters in the Slovak network 152/:
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Power Frequency
Location of Transmitters (Kilowatts) (Kilocycles)
Banska Bystrica 100 701
Bratislava 2 701
Bratislava (Velke Kostolany) 150 1,097
Kosice 2 701
Kosice 100 1,232
Orava 1.5 1,232
Rimavska Sobota N.A. 1,484
Tatry N.A. 1,484
Zilina 2 1,484
International radiobroadcasting service in Czechoslovakia con-
sists of programs broadcast in 12 different languages to Europe) North
and South America, the Arab countries, Australia, and New Zealand.
Hours of international radiobroadcasting, by area and by language, are
shown in Table 14.* Programs originate from studios in Prague and are
transmitted from 5 full-time high-frequency transmitters and 2 part-
time medium-frequency transmitters. The 5 high-frequency transmitters
are located at Velke Kostolany and Podebrady, and the 2 medium-frequency
transmitters are located at Velke Kostolany and Melnik. 153/
International radiobroadcasting service has shown an increase
in average hours of transmission from 108 per week in 1950 to 177 per
week in 1957. This increase of 63 percent was accomplished primarily
through an expansion of transmitting facilities.
With the exception of construction work presently under way on
a more powerful Am transmitter for Liblice, plans for domestic AM radio-
broadcasting through 1960 make no provision for the construction of
additional transmitters. Instead, antenna systems are to be improved
to increase the coverage of existing transmitters. In 1959, adjust-
ments are to be made on the antenna system of the Karlovy Vary, Ceske
Budejovice, and Ostrava AM transmitters, and in 1960, improvements on
the antenna system of the AM transmitter at Uherske Hradiste are to
be completed. 154/ There are indications that international radio-
broadcasting service will be extended to cover South Africa. 122/
Plans also provide for the installation of five FM transmitters
some time after 1960. The locations of these transmitters have not'
been announced, but they are reportedly to be set up at locations
housing television facilities. 156/
* Table 14 follows on p. 42.
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Table 14
Estimated Total Weekly Output
of the Czechoslovak International Radiobroadcasting Service
to Foreign Audiences, by Area and by Language ti,/*
1950, 1955, and 1957
Average Number of Hours Per Week
Area and Language
195012/
195512/
1957 2/
To Europe
Czech/Slovak
0
0
13.50
English
8.75
14.00
10.50
French
11.75
17.50
14.00
German'
1.75
8.75
21.00
Greek
7.00
7.00
7.00
Italian
7.00
14.00
10.50
Macedonian
1.75
0
0
Norwegian
0
3.50
0
Russian
2.25
7.00
7.00
Serbo-Croatian
24.50
7.00
7.00
Slovenian
7.00
0
0
Spanish
15.75
14.00
10.50
Swedish
0
3.50
10.50
Total
87.50
96.25
111.50
To North and South
America
Czech/Slovak
14.00
14.00
20.00
English
7.00
14.00
14.00
Spanish
0
1.75
14.00
Total
21.00
29.75
48.00
To Australia and New
Zealand
English
0
0
7.00
Total
0
0
7.00
* Footnotes for Table 14 follow on p. 43.
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Table 14
Estimated Total Weekly Output
of the Czechoslovak International Radiobroadcasting Service
to Foreign Audiences, by Area and by Language 2/
1950, 1955, and 1957
(Continued)
Average Number of Hours Per Week
195012/ 1955 /.2/
1957s/
To the Arab Countries
Arabic 0 3.50 10.50
Total 0 3.50 10.50
Grand total 2/ 108.50 129.50 177.00
a. All information is as of 1 October for the years given. Mis-
cellaneous musical programs to various areas of. the world are not
included.
b. 157/
c. 158/
?
B. Television.
The first television station in Czechoslovakia was established
In Prague in 1953. This major station was followed by major television
stations in Ostrava in 1955 and Bratislava in 1956.,159/ In 1957,
local television stations were established in the Karlovy Vary region
of western Bohemia and in Presov in eastern Slovakia. 160/ These sta-
tions, shown on the map, Figure 10,* provided programs to about
173,000 television receivers in Czechoslovakia at the end of 1957.
Table 15** shows the growth and geographic distribution of television
receivers in Czechoslovakia since 1953.
Network television service was initiated in CzechostoVakia in
1956, When programs were exchanged between Prague and Ostrava. 161/
In late 1957, Bratislava was able: to receive programs from Prague)
relayed through Ostrava. 162/ Programs from Prague were also relayed
Following p. 44.
** Table 15 follows on p. 44.
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through Ostrava to Presov in 1957. 163/ Microwave radio relay facili-
ties were used to relay these programs. The local television station
In the Karlovy Vary region receives programs originating in Prague by
means of direct off-the-air pickup.
Table 15
- Estimated Number of Licensed Television Receivers
in Czechoslovakia 21
1953-57
Year
Bohemia/Moravia
Slovakia
Total
1953
0
0
0
1954
3,830
0
3,830
1955
32,100
11
32,100
1956
15,100
794
75,900
1957
171,000
12/
1,810
12/
173,000
2/
a. All data are rounded to three significant digits. Totals
are derived from unrounded data and may not agree with the
sum of their rounded components.
50X1
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b. Assuming the same percentage relationship of television
receivers in Bohemia/Moravia and in Slovakia to total re-
ceivers for 1957 as for 1956.
c. 165/
Although Czechoslovakia has mo permanent -international tele-
communications circuits capable of carrying television programs,
temporary microwave radio relay lines have been established fox-pro-
gram exchanges among Czechoslovakia, East Germany) and Austria. ?The
first of these exchanges took place in 1956, when Prague received
"live" television programs from East Germany. 166/ At least twice
In 1957, "live" programs were transmitted from Prague to East Berlin. 167/
Program exchanges between Czechoslovakia and the Eurovision,network
(the television network of Western Europe), through East Germany, and
between Czechoslovakia and Austria also took place in 1957. 168/
Czechoslovakia has extensive plans) running through 1962) for
the further expansion of television. Eight additional major television
stations are to be established during this period, dates and locations
of which are as follows: ? ?
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12 ' 14 16 18 20 22
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CZECHOLOVAKIA
Television Stations, August 1958
Ministry of Communications
IN OPERATION TYPE oF snood PLANNED
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Figure 10 50X1
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1958 Hradec Kralove
Brno
1960 Plzen
Ceske Budejovice
Kosice
1961 Usti nad Labem
Banska Bystrica
' 1962 Presov
These stations are to provide television coverage for 80 'percentof
the country and service to more than 750)000 television receivers.
In addition, local television stations are planned in Kremnica (near
Banska Bystrica) and Ceske Budejovice in 1958. These local stations
will provide temporary television coverage until major stations planned
for these areas 'become operational. la/
In addition to the expansion of television transmission and
reception facilities in Czechoslovakia) plans call for the expansion
of network television. There are to be two national television net-
works) one in Bohemia/Moravia and the other in Slovakia. The main
studio for the Bohemia/Moravia network is to be in Prague, and the
main studio for the Slovakia network is to be in Bratislava. These
main studios are to be interconnected in 1958.
The Bohemia/Moravia network is to be expanded to connect Prague
with Hradec Kralove and Brno in 1958, Plzen and Ceske Budejovice in
1960, and Usti nad Labem in 1961. The Slovakia network is to be ex-
panded to connect Bratislava with Banska Bystrica in 1959, Kosice in
1960, and Presov in 1962. 170/ Microwave radio relay facilities are
to be employed in both of these networks.
International television service also will be expanded so that
Czechoslovakia can exchange programs with all neighboring countries. Eli
Television service with the USSR will be through Kosice, With East
Germany through Usti nad Labem, with Poland through Ostrava, with
Austria through Bratislava) and with Hungary through Bratislava. 172/
Television plans for the end of 1960 can for the introduction
of color television and the completion of the first sections of new
television studios in Prague and Bratislava. Prague is to receive a
more powerful television transmitter some time after 1960. 173/
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C. Wire Diffusion.
Wire diffusion in Czechoslovakia was originally established in
Unhost, Bohemia, near Prague) in 1953. 174/ By the end of 1957, as
shown in Table 16, the wire-diffusion network had been expanded to in-
clude 180,000 libensed wired loudspeakers.
Table 16
Eatimated Number of Licensed Wired Loudspeakers
in Czechoslovakia Ell
1953-57
Units
Year
Bohemia/Moravia
Slovakia
Total
1953
N.A.
0
N.A.
1954
1,280
0
1,280
1955
27,300
7,630
34,900
1956
77,300
21)000
98,300
1957
141,000
2/
38,500
2/
180,000
2/
a. All data are rounded to three significant digits. Totals
are derived from unrounded data and may not agree with the
sum of their rounded components.
b. Assuming the same percentage relationship of wired loud-
speakers in Bohemia/Moravia and in Slovakia to total wired
loudspeakers for 1957 as for 1956.
c. .176/
The wire-diffusion network in Czechoslovakia is patterned after
that of the USSR. Home service and regional radiobroadcasting programs
are transmitted by means of telephone wirelines to wire-diffusion cen-
ters located in cities and villages. From these centers, programs are
retransmitted by wire to individual wired loudspeakers. In addition
to retransmitting radiobroadcasting programs, wire-diffusion centers
also originate a limited number of programs of local interest. lit/
The primary impetus for the development of the wire-diffusion
network in Czechoslovakia apparently has been the desire to restrict
the number of reception points capable of receiving non-Soviet Bloc
radiobroadcasts, thus insuring a captive audience for domestic propa-
ganda.
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Plans for expanding the wire-diffuSion network to 750,000 wired
loudspeakers by the end of 1960 indicate that Czechoslovakia will con-
tinue to emphasize the deVelopment of wire diffusion throughout the
country. 178/ To make this expansion more palatable to the general
public, a great deal of publicity has been given in Czechoslovakia to
the advantages of wire- diffusion, stressing the clarity of reception
and the relative cheapness of wired loudspeakers compared with radio-
broadcast receivers. 179/ Whether this publicity is successful or not,
continued growth in wire-diffusion facilities can be expected in Czecho-
slovakia.
VI. Future Trends.
The post and telecommunications system of Czechoslovakia has grown
substantially in recent years and is currently capable of meeting most
of the needs of the economy. Future plans provide for the continued
growth of the system in order to further increase the availability,
speed, and reliability of post and telecommunications services as well
as to provide for anticipated future service requirements. This growth
is to be achieved primarily through increased automation of existing
post and telecommunications facilities and through introduction of more
advanced post and telecommunications techniques. Although details of
plans are not available, indications are that the Ministry of Communi-
cations will pursue the following courses of action:
1. Rapidly. expand both the microwave radio relay facilities
for transmission of network television and the interurban
telephone and telegraph service.
2. Expand and automatize local and interurban telephone
facilities.
3. Expand and automatize TELEX facilities.
4. Increase the automation of regular telegraph exchange
facilities.
5. Increase the mechanization and improve the speed of serv-
ice in the postal system.
6. Expand the television transmission and reception base.
7. Expand the wire-diffusion network.
8. Expand the FM radiobroadcasting transmission base after
1960.
9. Improve the coverage of domestic AM radiobroadcasting.
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? Judging by the past performance of the Ministry of Communications
in meeting plan goals and expanding post and telecommunications facili-
ties and services, it is estimated that the Ministry will be successful
in completing the foregoing courses of action. By so doing the Min-
istry will be able to register continued growth in the volume Of post
and telecommunications service and improvement in the quality of service
for both governmental and private consumers.
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APPENDIX A
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS
Amplitude modulation (AM): The process by which a selected carrier
frequency is varied in magnitude (amplitude) by other frequencies
that contain the information to be transmitted in telecommunications.
(See Frequency modulation.)
Apparatus: Instruments, machines, appliances, and other assemblies
used in providing a telecommunications facility.
Automatic (as an adjective): Of or pertaining to any process in-
volved in producing telecommunications service which does not re-
quire direct, immediate human assistance.
Band (of frequencies): The entire range of frequencies between two
numerically specified frequency limits. The magnitude of this range
Is a limiting factor on the amount of information that can be trans-
mitted in telecommunications. . With respect to frequencies of the
radio spectrum as a whole, the International Telecommunication Union
has for convenience divided the whole radio spectrum into eight major
bands, as follows:
Frequency Bands
Range
30 kc** and below
30 to 300 kc
300 to 3,000 kc
3,000 to 30,000 kc
30,000 kc to
300 mc***
300 to 3,000 mc
3,000 to 30,000 mc
30,000 to 300,000 mc
Type
Very low frequencies (VLF)
Low frequencies (LF)
Medium frequencies (MF)
High frequencies (HF)
Very high frequencies (VHF)
Ultra high frequencies (UHF)
Super high frequencies (SHF)
Extremely high frequencies
(EHF)
Corresponding Wave*
Band
Myriametric waves
Kilometric waves
Hectometric waves
Decametric waves
Metric waves
Decimetric waves****
Centimetric waves****
Millimetric waves****
* Waves are undulating disturbances: a sound wave is a disturbance
in the air, which is an elastic medium, and an electric wave is a dis-
turbance in any medium whatever. The number of waves per second is the
frequency of a given wave. Because the speed of wave propagation is
considered to be constant, the length of a given wave is in inverse re-
lation to its frequency: the longer the wave length, the lower the fre-
quency, and the shorter the wave length, footnotes continued on p. 5g
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Cable: A bundle of sheathed, insulated wires and/or coaxial tubes,
used as a telecommunications medium. It is sometimes referred to
as "multiconductor cable."
Carrier (as an adjective): Of or pertaining to a technique for
dividing a circuit, lane, supergroup, group, or channel into por-
tions which can be used independently of and simultaneously with
all other portions. Different frequencies or different pulses are
selected for each portion to "carry" the information to be trans-
mitted, after alteration by the information frequencies. The car-
rier itself need not be transmitted.
Channel: A portion, electrical or physical, of a telecommunications
circuit, lane, supergroup, or group which can be used to transmit
information independently of and simultaneously with all other
portions. A channel may be used to provide two or more subchannels.
Circuit: A telecommunications connection between two or more distant
points by a wire, cable, or radio medium facility used to carry in-
formation. The circuit is the fundamental telecommunications con-
nection between distant points. By the application of appropriate
techniques, a circuit may be arranged in many different combinations
to meet the need for various kinds and quantities of telecommunica-
tions service. In its simplest form a circuit may carry only single
telecommunications units in sequence. In its most complex form it
may by apportionment carry simultaneously thousands of telephone
channels and telegraph subchannels; a number of television programs;
and other specialized kinds of service, such as high-fidelity broad-
cast programs, radar signals, and data-processing signals.
For the most complex application, a circuit is often ar-
ranged into lanes, each of which can carry, in 1 direction, 1 tele-
vision program or 600 telephone channels. In turn, these 600 tele-
phone channels are subdivided into 10 supergroups of 60 telephone
channels each. Each supergroup is subdivided into 5 groups of 12
telephone channels each. One or more telephone channels may be fur-
tHer subdivided into three to twenty 60-word-per-minute teletype sub-
channels. Other specialized kinds of service may be accommodated by
combining two or more telephone channels.
the higher the frequency. Wave length is usually measured in linear
units of the metric system.
** Kilocycles per second, or 1,000 cycles per second.
*** Megacycles per second, or 1 million cycles per second.
**** It is becoming common usage to refer to waves (frequencies) in
these three bands as "microwaVes."
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Coaxial (as an adjective): Of or pertaining to a modern telecom-
munications cable medium technique using one or more tubes (some-
times called "pipes"). Each metal tube surrounds a conducting wire
supported concentrically by insulators. The space in the tube
usually contains nitrogen gas under pressure. Generally, coaxial
cable is used for the transmission of information in complex form)
such as radar, computer data, or television signals, and/or for the
transmission of telephone channels and telegraph subchannels. A
single tube usually carries information in only one direction at a
time. The capacity of a tube depends in part upon the distance be-
tween repeater stations. In the standard facility, which may have
from 2 to 8 tubes in the cable, a single tube carries a lane of.
600 telephone channels or 1 television lane, for which the repeater
station spacing is about 7 statute miles. In a new developmental
coaxial cable facility) a single tube may carry 3 lanes of ?a total
of 1,800 telephone channels or 3itelevision lanes, for which the
repeater station spacing is expected to be about 3 statute miles.
Electronics: A general term used to identify that branch of elec-
trical science and technology that treats of the behavior of elec-
trons in vacuums, gases, or solids. Today, telecommunications makes
extensive use of electronic technology.
Facility: An association of apparatus, material, and electrical
energy required to furnish telecommunications service.
Facsimile (as an adjective): Of or pertaining to a telecommunica-
tions (Telegraph) service in which photographs, drawings, hand-
writing, and printed matter are transmitted for graphically recorded
reception. In one method (Type A)) images are built up of lines or
dots of constant intensity. In another method (Type B), images are
built up of lines or dots of varying intensity, sometimes referred
to as "telephoto" and "photoradio."
Feeder (as an adjective): Of or pertaining to telecommunications
facilities of relatively low capacity which join facilities of rela-
tively high capacity. (See Main.)
Frequency: The rate in cycles per second at which an electric CUT-
rent, voltage, wave, or field alternates in amplitude and/or
direction. (See Band.)
Frequency modulation (FM): The process by which a selected carrier
frequency is varied in frequency by other frequencies that contain
the information to be transmitted in telecommunications. (See
Amplitude modulation.)
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Functional (as an adjective): Of, pertaining to, or connected with
special, unique, or particular telecommunications realities
managed and operated by a single agency) organization, company,
department, committee) ministry, or other entity, in contrast to
the facilities of a basic system.
Group: A number of channels (usually 12) or subchannels combined
(multiplexed) electrically in building up the total capacity of a
telecommunications circuit, lane, or supergroup.
Ionosphere: Those layers of the earth's atmosphere occupying the
space about 210 statute miles in thickness extending from about
30 statute miles above the earth's surface to the outer reaches
(exosphere) of the atmosphere. Reflection from these layers makes
possible long-distance transmission of radio signals. The layers,
however, are responsible for fading of signals, skip distance, and
differences between daytime and nighttime radio reception. They
are also used as a scattering reflector for ionosphere scatter-
transmission techniques to transmit to distances of about 1,000 to
1,500 statute miles.
Joint facility: A telecommunications facility owned, controlled, or
operated by two or more agencies, organizations, companies, depart-
ments, committees, ministries, or other entities.
Lane: A 1-way portion, electrical or physical, of a 2-way tele-
communications circuit which can be used independently of and simul-
taneously with all other portions. The largest lane today can handle
600 telephone channels or 1 television program. In some applications
the direction of a lane may be reversed.
Leased (as an adjective): Of or pertaining to the direct operation
by a user of a telecommunications facility owned by another agency.
Line: A general term used to delineate a telecommunications circuit
facility (wire, cable, or radio).
Main (as an adjective): Of or pertaining to telecommunications facili-
ties at and between principal cities and centers which have relatively
high capacity compared with feeder facilities. (See Feeder.)
Medium: Any substance or space that can be used practically to trans-
mit a form of electrical energy for the purpose of providing tele-
communications service.
Microwave radio relay (as an adjective): Of or pertaining to a radio
medium technique in modern telecommunications employing radio
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frequencies higher than 300 mc. These frequencies do not normally
afford practical direct transmission to great distances, princi-
pally because they do not bend well around the earth's surface and
because they do not reflect well from the ionosphere. They are,
however, capable of reliable transmission from horizon to horizon
(line-of-sight) by the use of special antennas which concentrate
the radio energy and give it desired direction. Great distances
can, in consequence, be reached by this technique by the inter-
position of relay stations along the route of the line with a
spacing interval of from 25 to 4o statute miles, depending upon
terrain conditions. This technique can be employed practically
to carry from a small number of telephone channels and telegraph
subchannels to thousands of such channels and subchannels through
2 or more lanes and to carryl or more television and other special-
ized lanes and channels. (See Band.)
Mobile (as an adjective): Of or pertaining to a telecommunications.
facility which is intended to be operational while in motion or
during halts at unspecified points. (See Portable.)
Modulation: The process of altering a.carrier frequency or carrier
pulses by other frequencies or pulses representing the information
being transmitted.
Multiplex (as an adjective): Of or pertaining to the combining of
information signals, modulated or unmodulated, of two or more lanes,
supergroups, groups, channels, or subchannels for transmission over
the same circuit.
Network: An interconnection, electrical or physical, of two or more
circuits or portions thereof for the purpose of facilitating tele-
communications service.
Point-to-point (as an adjective): Generally; of or pertaining to tele-
communications service between fixed points, using the radio medium.
Portable (as an adjective): Of or pertaining to a telecOmmunications
facility which can be readily moved from place to place but is not
normally operational while in motion. (See Mobile.)
Private (as an adjective): Belonging to or concerning an individual
person, organization, institution, or activity; not public or common.
Pulse: A spurt of electrical energy of extremely short duration
--(171;Ually measured in millionths of a second), yet capable of being
used in telecommunications to transmit information.
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Quad: In a multiconductor telecommunications cable, the physical asso-
ciation of a group of 4 conductors in any one of various arrangements
for the purpoSe of providing 2-way multichannel operation.
Reception haze: The aggregate telecommunications receiving facilities
employed in'providing a broadcast service.
Route: The geographical path followed by a wire, cable, or radio line.
Scatter (as an adjective): Of or pertaining to a radio medium tech-
nique in modern telecommunications by which energy in radio fre-
quencies above 30 mc is deliberately scattered into one or the other
of two reflecting portions of the atmosphere (troposphere and iono-
sphere) at a predetermined angle such that a usable portion of the
energy arrives at the desired receiving location. This technique\
Is especially applicable to regions in high latitudes (Arctic and
Antarctic) where facilities of other media suffer from the rigors of
weather and terrain and where the conventional long-distance radio
media of the lower frequency bands (200\kc to 30 mc) are subject to
serious disruptive propagational anomalies. (See Band.)
Subchannel: A portion, electrical or physical, of a telecommunica-
tions channel which can be used independently of and simultaneously
with all other portions. An appreciable number of telephone channels
can usually be subchanneled to carry from three to twenty 6,0-word-
per-minute teletype subchannels on each telephone channel so employed.
Subscriber: Any customer who directly operates telecommunications
apparatus in obtaining telecommunications service.
Supergroup: A number of groups (often five) combined (multiplexed)
electrically in building up the total capacity of a telecommunications
circuit or lane.
System: All of the facilities and networks managed by a single agency,
organization, company, department, committee, ministry, or other
entity in rendering either functional or basic telecommunications
service.
Telecommunications: Transmission, reception, or exchange of inforMa-
tion between distant points by electrical energy over a wire, cable,
or radio medium facility to produce telephone, telegraph, facsimile,
broadcast (aural and visual), and other similar services.
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Teletype (as an adjective): Of or pertaining to a technique for
effecting telegraph service by the use of an apparatus similar to
a typewriter in which information is transmitted by keyboard and
received by type printer on a roll of paper, on a roll of tape, or
by perforations on a roll of tape, or both. (Sometimes called a
"teleprinter" or "teletypewriter:")
Transmission base: The aggregate telecommunications transmitting
facilities employed in providing broadcast service.
?
Transistor: A modern device which is capable of performing in a
solid (germanium or silicon) many of the functions performed by
the conventional electronic tube in a gas or vacuum.
Troposphere: The layer of the earth's atmosphere occupying the
space from the earth's surface to a height of about 6 statute miles.
This layer is used as a scattering reflector for tropospheric
scatter transmission techniques to distances of about 200 to 500
statute miles.
Wave guide (as an adjective): Of or pertaining to a telecommunica-
tions medium, now under development in several countries, which
may be capable of transmitting extremely large amounts of conven-
tional and complex information. It consists of a circular or rec-
tangular hollow metallic tube in which electrical energy travels in
the form of waves, much as do sound waves in a speaking tube.
Wire diffusion: Distribution of broadcast programs by a wire or
cable medium to wired loudspeakers.
Wired loudspeaker: A telecommunications loudspeaker which receives
from a distribution point one or more broadcast programs by a wire
or cable medium.
WireIine: A general term used to identify a line consisting of either
an aerial cable (and/or separate wires) or an underground cable, used
as a telecommunicatiOns medium.
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APPENDIX B
METHODOLOGY
The statistical data in this report were developed in large part
from information contained in the 1957 statistical yearbook for Czecho-
slovakia.
The interrelationships that are known to
exist between various statistical series, along with analogy with other
Soviet Bloc countries, were used to check the validity of the data pre-
sented. The specific methodology used in the determination of each
statistical series, together with appropriate source references, is
contained in the table footnotes.
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