Source: Xinhua news agency, Beijing, in English 1509 gmt 6 May 96

Beijing, 6th May: China is expected to establish a satellite-based meteorological information system in the Tibet Autonomous Region by the end of this century. Dubbed as "the roof of the world" , Tibet is known for its rough climate and terrains, bringing much trouble to meteorological research in the area.

The information system will largely promote the research, and turn out abundant economic benefits for Tibetan people, said `People's Posts and Telecommunications Daily'.

The system will adopt the latest information technologies such as satellite telecommunications, data bases and programme-controlled switching. When it is operational the new system will enable all the local meteorological bodies to be linked by a single network, providing the latest weather information from any corner of Tibet at the earliest moment.

The network's transport speed will be 100 times of the present one.

In addition, the network will be connected with Beijing through a number of satellite ground stations.