Long distance phone service could get cheaper as North Rock Communications gear up to introduce their new product.

Tom Coelho, managing director of North Rock yesterday confirmed that the company would be taking advantage of the decision by Telecommunications Minister Renee Webb to allow Internet service providers (ISPs) into the arena.

Mr. Coelho said that testing of the new service was now almost complete and that he expected to make the launch "imminently''.

While he would not reveal rates of the new service or any special features, Mr. Coelho made it clear that everyone would have access. "We will be able to build on our existing customer base because you will not need the Internet to be able to join,'' he said.

In fact, customers will not need a computer either. According to Mr. Coelho a phone and a credit card are all that will be required.

Currently the lowest available rate is 44-cents-a-minute offered by the other ISP, Logic Communications through their LogicPhone. Their rate is only available to Logic Internet customers. While an exact date for the North Rock service was not given, Mr. Coelho admitted that he was aiming for a date before the end of summer. And also around the corner for North Rock will be the introduction of wireless service.

"We are in the beta testing phase in Hamilton,'' said Mr. Coelho, "and we expect to offer full service in the city of Hamilton to our business customers, imminently.'' Tom Coelho