China's communication sector was fully prepared for the upcoming Olympic Games, a top Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) official told Xinhua on Thursday.

"The communication sectors will spare no efforts to safeguard smooth communication for the torch relays, opening and closing ceremonies, sports events and other important Olympic activities," MIIT Vice Minister Xi Guohua said.

He added the ministry and all communication companies had guaranteed the normal communication the public was used to during the Olympics.

As a precaution, the ministry was requiring all telecom companies to make a risk evaluation of their networks and ensure their safety.

"The MIIT also worked out emergency plans and organized exercises to tackle possible emergencies," he said.

China Network Communications Group Corporation (CNC), the fix-lined communication partner of the Beijing Olympics, confirmed it had also finished its preparations for the Games.

Zuo Xunsheng, the CNC chief executive officer, said the company had finished inspection of branches in 31 provinces and formulated 15 emergency plans for the Olympics.

"The hotline 10060 will provide service in both Chinese and English to solve consumer's complaints timely," he said.

The company had also set up a network alarm system to safeguard its smooth operation, he added.

(Xinhua News Agency July 25, 2008)