Telephone callers trying to reach the Island with the new 441 area code have been w-ringing their hands in frustration, The Royal Gazette has learned.

And now Cable & Wireless and the Bermuda Telephone Company have pointed an accusing finger across the Atlantic.

"So far, all faults have been with the overseas networks,'' said C & W spokesman Mr. John Instone.

He said the problem appeared to lie abroad with old Private Automatic Branch Exchanges (PABXs).

These had not been programmed properly or upgraded to accept the new codes.

"It is a fact that all international carriers and PABX suppliers were notified well in advance, not only of Bermuda's area code change but of many other changes within the North American Numbering Plan.

"Similar situations were experienced in the United States earlier this year when a number of States changed area codes.

"We also believe that some international carriers may have been slow to implement the software changes necessary to permit their subscribers to access Bermuda using 441.'' Mr. Instone added some callers also seemed to be under the impression it was no longer necessary to dial 1 before 441.

"This, of course, is not the case. We're sorry that a number of people have apparently been inconvenienced, but we must stress that the problem is not of our making.

"Our engineers have been successfully testing 441 for a year and have received thousands of calls from overseas on 441.'' Mr. Instone said people experiencing problems should contact their local exchanges first.

They should also report the matter to the C & W 24-hour Help Desk (297-7022) or the Overseas Operator at Telco.

"Bermuda is, of course, still accessible using 809 and will be for a further 12 months.