Quantum Communications said yesterday it was rolling out a new flat rate local dial telephone service in Hamilton.

Quantum said the new service, called Q-Voice, gives Hamilton-based businesses and residents a choice in telephone service.

Quantum chief executive officer Austin Woods said: ?Until now, voice service for island businesses has largely been dominated by one carrier [BTC. With the introduction of Q-VOICE, Hamilton businesses and residents will be able to access a simple, flat rate voice communications service. We know that our customers want reliability and fast service. That?s why we offer flexible business packages, rapid installation, web-enabled performance tools, and superior service.

?Our reliable network is supported 24 hours a day, seven days a week.?

The company said Q-Voice is to be run an extensive fibre-optic network.

The move pits Quantum against BTC, the telephone company that has long held a monopoly on phone service for both business and residential customers throughout the Island.

Quantum previously moved into the data market. Its entrance into the voice market comes after ISP Northrock started offering wireless telephone and Internet access to about 80 percent of the Island in 2003.

Q-VOICE will be structured as a flat rate service in contrast to the variable access rate, with only a limited number of free calls that BTC offers, the company said in a Press statement. Q-Voice will also have the capability to manage a voice over IP gateway router.