Bermuda is moving to activate satellites over the Island which could lead to more television channels being available, as well as them being used for other governments for security surveillance, it was revealed yesterday.

A Government delegation met British officials during last week?s visit to London for the Overseas Territories Consultative Council to discuss using the satellites.

Bermuda was given the three satellite slots in 1983 from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), but they have not been used.

Principal Crown counsel Philip Perinchief, who was part of the delegation to London, said yesterday that two entities had approached Bermuda about using the satellite slots if they are activated.

He said he could not give details because of commercial agreements, but they could result in more television channels.

And he predicted revenue from the satellites could set up a ?third pillar? to Bermuda?s economy after tourism and international business.

?We could see more television channels in Bermuda, but that would be a decision for the government of the day,? Mr. Perinchief told yesterday. He stressed any decision about what to do with the satellites would have to be taken by Government, but he added: ?The Isle of Man has filed to place a satellite at 95.6 (close to one of Bermuda?s co-ordinates) so there may be some co-ordination with them jointly about this.

?There is also a filing by Echostar with the ITU and they would have to co-ordinate with Bermuda about that spot.

?They want to set up close to our spot, but because there might be some interference, they have to co-ordinate with us.

?There are also two other entities interested. I can?t say anymore because we are under commercial agreements, but they have indicated they wish to use these spots for commercial purposes and television may be included.

?Again, it is a matter of policy for the Government of the day, but it could lead to a third pillar of the economy after tourism and international business.

?The UK has developed these satellites for environmental monitoring and the UK Ministry of Defence uses these satellites for security and national interests.

?Once we meet certain terms that the UK would ask for in terms of indemnification and proper business plans where we and the UK would meet our international obligations, Bermuda would then be in a position to exploit slots in any way the government wishes, for commercial or non-commercial goods.?

Mr. Perinchief said outer space matters were the responsibility of the British Government.

For Bermuda to use the satellite slots, the British Outer Space Act would need to be activated on the Island through an Order-in-Council from London.

Bermuda would then be able to licence and regulate the types of use.

Mr. Perinchief, acting Telecommunications Director William Francis, and Telecommunications Inspector Hiram Williams, met officals at the Radio Communications Agency, the British national Space Centre, and visited a British satellite monitoring facility in Baldock, Hertfordshire.