month, it was claimed yesterday.

TeleBermuda International director Ken Spurling told The Royal Gazette yesterday: "We are technically ready to go.'' He said the scheduled start date remained unchanged -- despite threats to the service.

Recently, Cable & Wireless lawyers Hallett, Whitney and Patton told the Bermuda Telephone Company it would be in breach of contract if it connected TBI's international calls.

In a letter, they also said there were such issues as billing arrangements to be sorted out.

They added TBI would be held responsible if it started operating before these issues were settled -- and Cable & Wireless suffered losses.

Earlier this month, Scott Socol, TeleBermuda's chief operating officer, claimed the legal battles were pushing customers his way as people became disenchanted with Cable & Wireless.

All international calls have to be routed through Telco to either TBI or Cable & Wireless, which says its contract forbids a link between TBI and Telco.

The Royal Gazette understands issues such as billing arrangements will have to go before the Telecommunications Commission for settlement.

Cable & Wireless has also slapped writs on Government and TBI questioning the validity of its operating licence.

The British-based company claims that under the terms of the Cable & Wireless Public Ltd Company Act it is entitled to three years notice of competition being introduced in Bermuda.

Government, however, reportedly believes the Act only sets out the amount of notice needed if Cable & Wireless is to be asked to stop operating.

Yesterday Mr. Spurling appeared unfazed by the legal threats and testing for TeleBermuda's operation was going well.

"There are no threats of legal action against us. We have our licence from Government.'' Mr. Spurling said he had not seen the Hallett, Whitney and Patton letter.

"I don't know what contract Telco has with Cable & Wireless.''