Hamilton's CCTV project took a new twist last night.

Executives at Bermuda Telephone Company handed a 40-page dossier of evidence outlining their case to Telecommunications Minister E.T. (Bob) Richards.

The company is appealing against a ruling by the Telecommunications Commission to link rival firm Quantum Communications to their network.

BTC believe Quantum's operating licence is illegal and do not want to be held responsible for any mishaps if they sign a deal with Quantum.

But the row could stall the 30 closed-circuit television cameras planned for Hamilton, because Quantum may be found to have an illegal licence.

Quantum, who signed a deal with Government to provide the data for the $1.25 million project, accused BTC of delaying tactics last night.

CEO Jim Sullivan said: "It's a continuing saga and the object is obviously to stop us from getting into competition.

"We have been assured by the department that our licence is valid and we are secure in that so we don't have any concerns.

"This is just another delay penalising Quantum and the businesses of Bermuda.

"We have been licensed since December and our network has been ready for months but BTC are continuing to block us from offering a full data and voice/phone service to the Island.

"This appeal is not just blocking Quantum, it is blocking Bermuda businesses from having access to low-cost, high quality voice communications. Their actions, in effect are against the public at large.'' Sen. Richards has given Quantum two weeks to respond to BTC's claims. Then he will make a decision on their appeal.

The Telecommunications Commission also accused BTC of delaying tactics last week, when they ordered the firm to link up with Quantum by July 15.