after a judge told Cable & Wireless to lift a block on their calls.

C & W had claimed calls using the new Global Access Bermuda service were illegal, and blocked them on Tuesday.

But yesterday GAB customers were once more using the service, which claims discounts of up to 60 percent on overseas calls. The dispute will now be heard in court next Tuesday.

"Initially C & W took the step of barring access to its international telephone system to GAB customers,'' said C & W marketing manager Mr. Cornell Fox.

"GAB has since applied for, and without C & W being present, has been granted a court injunction requiring C & W to restore service.'' C & W say their dispute is with a US firm called Telegroup, represented in Bermuda by GAB. But GAB owner Mr. Michael Leverock says his is a locally-owned all-Bermudian service, affiliated to Telegroup so it can use their equipment.

He said: "An action has been commenced in the Supreme Court seeking a declaration that the actions of C & W are in breach of their obligations under the Telecommunications Act 1986.

"Contrary to the impression created by C & W, we're not unwilling to pay any lawful charges for the use of C & W's facilities.

"GAB views the recent interruption of service by C & W as an attempt by them to maintain their monopoly.''