Bidders will have until September 6 to submit their tenders to install a new submarine telecommunications cable linking Bermuda and the US.

In April, Government invited companies to submit expressions of interest and the tender document is available from today.

The winning individual or consortium will be granted a Class A Public Telecommunication Service Licence (PTSL) and a Foreshore Licence for the right to land a submarine cable in Bermuda.

Three Bermuda companies — North Rock Communications, Transact Ltd. and KeyTech, parent company of Bermuda Telephone Company — have joined forces to declare their intention to bid to build a new cable.

There are currently three such cables, the two oldest ones are owned by Cable & Wireless and have limited carrying capacity compared to the third cable, owned by Brasil Telecom.

In addition, C&W has announced plans to lay a new $22 million cable that the company plans to be operational by October.

Under current Bermuda regulations only C&W and TeleBermuda International can sell submarine cable capacity to Bermuda-based telecoms companies.

However, a reform of the Bermuda's telecommunications market is currently under consideration by Government that would open up the market and do away with restrictive operating practices that for the past 11 years have prevented internet service providers from either operating their own undersea cable or buying cable capacity directly from Brasil Telecom.

Environment, Telecommunications and E-Commerce Minister Neletha Butterfield said yesterday: "This new cable facility will only enhance our current international connectivity, and will bode well for both business, and residents alike.

"As bandwidth requirements for next generation services increase, Bermuda will be well positioned to take full advantage of such services."

The tender document is available from the Department of Telecommunications reception desk on the second floor of the F.B. Perry Building on Church Street, Hamilton, from today through July 27. Completed tenders must be returned no later than 4p.m. on September 6, 2007.

Interested parties requiring additional information are advised to contact telecommunications officer Michael Wells at 294-9082.