Bermudians are having problems with BTC's new computerised voice message system - because the software can't understand their accents.

The 'Wildfire" system allows customers to pick up messages by telephone by speaking into a system which retrieves information.

BTC Mobility say the technology requires customers to take time to work with the software so the computer will recognise their voices.

But some customers have complained the system does not recognise their voices and have had to be taken slowly through the process by staff.

The company's senior communications specialist Sharon Lehman said part of the problem was that people wanted instant results and were not prepared to take the time to work with the software.

She told The Royal Gazette: "At our press launch last month we emphasised how important the beginning conversations (with the software) were when you set it up, to sit down in a quiet place and build up a relationship with the software.

"In the area of voice recognition, you go through all kinds of words to ensure it is hearing you properly, and that's how you combat any problems.

"You have to go through a programme of voice recognition to get it started. While we appreciate that some people may think they have a problem, its really a learning curve that involves taking it slow," Ms Lehman explained. "People today are of a new generation who want to hit the ground running, and that's not how this system works.

"We've had a few customers (complain), but our customer care staff have sat with them and walked them through it in order that they get started and we've had no one come back to report any problems."

She said there had "not been a huge" number of complaints, and said staff were willing to help anyone who has problems.