Bermuda moved a step closer to getting on the information superhighway this week with the arrival on the Island of a small satellite dish which promises more than 100 television channels.

Island Satellite Systems has garnered substantial interest from Bermudians with its system, which is said to be more technologically advanced than existing cable services.

But a top Bermuda Cablevision official said yesterday his company may have new products as early as 1995.

The latest TV toy in what Time Magazine last month called the "media supermarket'' is a satellite dish that is so small you can attach it to your house.

Its development could put an end to the unsightly 16-foot dishes which caused an uproar from environmentalists.

The new dishes -- which range in size from 18 to 36 inches wide -- require approval from the Development Applications Board which before they can be attached to the ground or building, although there are fewer restrictions attached than there were for larger dishes.

Unlike regular satellite dish systems, all the programming on the new dishes is on one satellite and switching is immediately done digitally. The new system is a fixed system that mounts on a wall or a pipe. No tracking or tuner is required.

Users of the digital satellite systems are "down-linking'' CD-stereo quality sound and a clear digital picture.

Island Satellite is offering about 100 channels, including more than one ESPN, 28 music channels, including party music upon request or anything from the top 40 to classical, from jazz to gospel.

It also has 16 movie channels, from Cinemax to Playboy, and opportunity to get pay per view events like boxing or concerts. Monthly costs are around $70 a month.

Payment for the programming choices is done by credit card, with the programmers' clearing house billing from the US simply using your credit card number.

The company charges roughly $150 for installation and $1,800 or $2,195 for the RCA equipment. There is also an annual administration fee of $360 for access facilitation and the equipment required to dial up pay per view options.

Mr. Marius Dier, general manager at Island Satellite Systems said: "We began advertising on November 18. We have had a unit on display since the beginning of the month. We've had a lot of interest already and sold six in the first week or two.

"We have been experimenting with the dish size. The 18-inch dish it comes with breaks up sometimes when there is overcast conditions and rain. On a clear day, you get a picture, no problem.

"Some people have been buying them in the US in places like Sears, but they come to us to get a replacement dish. We have 32-inch and 36-inch dishes and we are working to determine the optimum size.'' Bermuda Cablevision general manager Mr. Don Greiner did not appear too concerned about the new competition.

He said: "It's too expensive. Our way is cheaper. We plan to add more channels. So I don't see any advantage to moving to a dish like that.'' Cablevision has been experimenting with an 18-inch dish they purchased.

Mr. Greiner said: "It is competition. We have to be prepared for competition.

In some areas where they are still waiting for cable, where we still have construction to do, there is a possibility they may get a dish, but I doubt it, because as soon as we come by, ours is going to be a much better package at a cheaper price per month.

"I think that we can expect some development in terms of more programming shortly, in the very near future.''