In 1995, Shanghai became the first city in China to have 8 digit phone numbers. By the end of 1999, the total volume of telephone switchboard exceeded 4.5 million sets, and private telephone lines occupied topped over 3.5 million while mobile phone numbers kept well over 300 thousand.  A

t present, Shanghai has phone connections with more than 25 countries and regions, has either DHL or EMS or other express services with more than 100 countries and regions. In 1999 alone, there were 1
million plus international express delivered in Shanghai. Shanghai went ahead of other cities in China in the field of internet development and internet services. ISDN  ( with speed 56K-128K ) has been promoted in the last two years and has been regarded as the standard means of getting onto internet.