long distance telecommunications.

They are TeleBermuda International, Bermuda Global Access Ltd., and Business Systems Ltd.

Their public licence applications can be scrutinised on appointment at the Department of Telecommunications in Reid Street.

As with previous bids, details on the companies and their proposals vary enormously.

But they have a common theme -- promises of rate reductions, and a top-notch service.

Telecommunications Commission hearings into the applications will be held on February 9 at the Cathedral Hall.

After looking at the bids, the commission will advise the Telecommunications Minister before granting any licence.

Hoping to break Telco's monopoly are: TeleBermuda International, which is a Bermuda company presently being incorporated.

"I believe the Telecommunications Commission will find that TeleBermuda's proposal is of strategic importance to Bermuda and is in its public interest,'' says president and CEO Mr. Michael Kedar.

The company has a 60 percent Bermudian ownership, and among those on its board of directors will be: BDC president Mr. Ward Young, law firm partner Ms Lynda Milligan-Whyte, and president of First Bermuda Securities Mr. Jeffrey Conyers.

TeleBermuda's other owners are Canadian. They include Mr. Michael Kedar, Mr.

Stephen Locke, Mr. Harley Murphy and Mr. Robert Crockford.

The firm plans to form a first class international telecommunications gateway in Bermuda.

It also proposes to make Bermuda more attractive for international companies, and create new business in such areas as "software development, computer-assisted stock trading, computer-based information services, and database management services''.

In addition, it intends creating jobs, and providing major savings in telecommunications services to North America and Britain.

For example, TeleBermuda would charge $0.51 for a 0.6 minute call to America -- a 56 percent saving on the current $1.15 cost.

Bermuda Global Access Ltd. (BGA), which will be a 100 percent local company operated by Mr. Brian Alkon.

Its Miami-based affiliate is Peoples Telephone Service (PTS), a national telecommunications company.

PTS is hailed as one of the fastest growing telecommunication companies in the US, and the largest pay phone operators there.

It boasts of offering a complete range of telecommunications services, calling cards, pay phones, and cellulars.

Bermuda Global Access promises, among other things, a 24-hour personal hot line service for emergencies; 24-hour voice mail; and medical alert programme.

BGA states it will provide a long distance telecommunications at highly competitive rates, complete with a first class service and "state-of-the-art'' equipment.

PTS is described as being in healthy financial state, with $18 million in "positive cash flow'' in 1992.

The net income increased by 73 percent to $3,254,372 for the year ending December 31, 1992.

Business Systems Ltd (BSL), which is a local company incorporated in Bermuda under the Companies Act 1981.

The firm proposes to "establish, maintain, and operate'' the public electronic mail service in Bermuda.

Its directors are Mr. William J. Midon, Mr. Nicholas Weare, Mr. John Potts, Ms Hilary C. Midon, Mr. Kenneth E.T. Robinson, and Mr. Richard Spurling.

Shareholders are Villanova Investments Ltd, Reid Finance Ltd, H.C. Midon, N.

Weare, K.E.I. Robinson, and W. J. Midon.

BSL describes itself as Bermuda's "most established computer and systems integration company'', employing 40 professionals.

According to the company's portfolio, its proposals will succeed because of the "financial security and stability'' offered by its executive and the expertise and pedigree of its team.

The company's services will include "E-Mail routing'' -- the ability of send and receive E-Mail within Bermuda and around the world.

And it will offer "Internet Services''.

The company describes Internet as the "world's largest collection of computer networks''.

And it states through Internet at least 15 million people in over 130 countries send and receive mail, "engage in discussion groups'', conduct research and development projects, and log on to computers.

BSL promises, among other things, to "provide access to Internet''.

"With international business being of such significance to the Bermuda economy implementation of such a service is seen not only as a benefit to Bermuda but essential to the participation and growth in the international marketplace,'' the company states.