setting the stage for combating the competition of overseas callback companies by tabling amendments to the Telecommunications Act.

Tabled in the House of Assembly on Friday, the bill clearly makes callback telecommunication service illegal and stipulates fines of $50,000 or two years imprisonment for violators.

Ms Webb announced in September that she had met with US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officials and was successful in having Bermuda placed on a list of countries that outlaw the service.

She took the action after her efforts in dealing with the companies directly seemed to fall on deaf ears.

At a press conference held after Ms Webb's meeting she said that the agreement with the FCC left offending companies in danger of loosing their licences.

"The FCC will ensure that those companies desist from operating callback services in Bermuda,'' she said. "Once the FCC tells them, then that's it because the licensing issue is a very real one.'' In order to make the fight actionable Ms Webb had pointed out that it would be necessary to pass legislation. Up until now it was only Government policy that prohibited callback service.