from Bermuda and around the world.

And yesterday the daily paper's general manager Mr. Keith Jensen appeared before the Telecommunications Commission to explain how the system would work and for a licence to provide the service.

By dialling specific numbers, members of the public would have access to news and/or sports results whenever they desire.

Mr. Jensen said in a changing market-place where so much is becoming electronically-oriented, the company "decided we would get our feet wet''.

More detailed information on the services that will be provided by the system, to be called Direct Line, will be made available in months to come, he added.

There were no strong objections to the service which will be provided by the newspaper in conjunction with The Bermuda Telephone Company Ltd. But DeFontes Broadcasting owner Mr. Kenny DeFontes said he was concerned that the granting of a licence to The Royal Gazette "will open the door for a lot of people to be carriers''.

However, Mr. Jensen pointed out that the paper was already one of the main sources of information on the Island and that the Direct Line would simply be an added service.

He said Telco was also providing similar services to some extent.

The hearing adjourned without the Commission saying when it would give its decision.