1983 is designated as the World Communications Year. To commemorate this international year, a set of four stamps depicting various devices and structures of the modern-day communication systems, will be issued on 10 November 1983.

10¢ stamp (Teletex Service)

Teletex is an internationally standardised text communication service for users to exchange correspondence using word processors and sophisticated electronic typewriters on an automatic memory-to-memory basis via a network involving teletex and telex services. It is an enhanced telex service that offers an expanded character set and operates at a transmission speed forty times faster than the telex service. The teletex service is expected to be introduced in Singapore by end 1984.

35¢ stamp (World Telephone Numbering Plan)

Telephones are a basic communication device in Singapore. On telephones that are equipped with International Direct Dialling facility we can make overseas calls by following the World Telephone Numbering Plan. One significant move in telecommunication development in Singapore is the gradual replacement of the standard rotary telephones with the standard push-button telephones. This is the result of our "Push-button Telephones For All" Programme launched in September 1979 to upgrade and modernise our telephone network.

75¢ stamp (Satellite Transmission)

Satellite transmission comprising an orbital satellite and two earth stations is a wide band transmission using micro radio waves. Its bandwidth enables it to carry simultaneous high quality video, voice, data and telex signals across oceans and land masses. Satellite transmission forms the backbone for all international telecommunication services including live telecasts, telephone/telex/facsimile calls etc., that are available in Singapore.

$1 stamp (Sea Communications)

The lighthouse is still an essential structure that provides guidance to ships plying the straits, or visiting Singapore. It plays an important role in sea communications in Singapore, which is the second busiest port in the world.

Two sets of logos are used on the stamps. The logo appearing on the 10¢ and 35¢ stamps is the official symbol of the World Communications Year 1983. The INFORMATICS '83 logo is incorporated in the 75¢ and $1 stamp designs. INFORMATICS '83 was held in Singapore in May 1983 to promote a greater public awareness of the applications of computer technology in all aspects of our lives. Its overall objective is to establish Singapore as a centre for computer services of which communications is an integral part.