V. BULGARIA 



TELEPHONE exchange work is a Government monoply. All lines 

 are, and are to be in future, metallic circuits. The development 

 attained at date of writing (February 1895) is but modest, the 

 total number of subscribers in the country being only 151, of 

 which the capital, Sofia, possesses 90. The total length of local 

 lines is 47 J kilometers ; of trunk lines actually working, 160 

 kilometers ; and of trunk lines under construction, 330 kilometers. 

 For these lines silicium bronze of 3 mm. diameter is being used, 

 while the local connections are run with wire of the same kind, 

 but of 2 mm. diameter only. Sofia has also telephonic com- 

 munication with Philippopolis by means of the Van Rysselberghe 

 system fitted to ordinary telegraph wires. Switch-boards with 

 indicators and cords are used in the three exchanges open : these 

 have been supplied by Messrs. Jenisch Bohmer, Berlin ; M. 

 Hipp, Neuchatel (Switzerland) ; and Deckert and Homolka, 

 Vienna. It is obvious that the Bulgarians are making a good 

 beginning with metallic circuits and bronze wire everywhere, and 

 may be cordially wished success. 



SERVICES RENDERED AND TARIFFS 



i. Local exchange communication. For a subscriber located 

 within the town limits : 



First year ......... 8/. 



Subsequent years ....... 6/ 



These rates are inclusive of installation, maintenance, and all 

 charges. 



