New cable company World On Wireless has announced the reason for missing its February launch deadline ? a link-up with the Bermuda Broadcasting Company.

The new digital service was set to launch its 115-channel service next month, but has now set itself a March 15 deadline after a change of broadcasting tower delayed the original plans.

WOW is now to share the BBC's 225-foot broadcast tower in Devonshire, where it will also locate both its transmission equipment and satellite dishes.

President Gavin Wilson revealed that the move from the old Motorola Tower at Prospect means the transmission will come from 100 feet higher with fewer logistical problems.

"We are very excited about this arrangement," said Gavin Wilson.

"The ZBM tower is ideal for our purposes. Up to now we have had to look at multiple sites to locate our satellite dishes and transmission equipment. The prospect of putting everything at a single location is the perfect answer from both a technical and economic standpoint."

And BBC chief operating officer Rick Richardson, shared the enthusiasm

"For several months BBC has been exploring the idea of a 'partnership' with a local company which would assist in the company's forward business plan," he said yesterday.

"Telecommunications is evolving at an accelerated pace and it is important that as local broadcasters we can take advantage of these changes. WOW fits that bill very nicely."

Both BBC and WOW will work together to develop additional business arrangements including pay-per-view programming originated by ZBM, transmitting ZBM and ZFB in digital format via WOW and some sharing of other facilities.

The issue of a cable broadcast licence to WOW at a hearing last year has caused controversy ever since with an injunction issued by Hardell, which claims it is entitled to a licence, and CableVision also taking a writ out against the Department of Telecommunications.

WOW, which is hoping to capture 20 percent of the monopoly currently held by CableVision, will transmit the UHF broadcast which can be picked up by a 'Christmas Tree' style antenna linked to a set-top box.

One of the advances that WOW will offer through its digital service will be the ability to pause live television, a service that has revolutionised TV watching in other countries.