Bermudians could have the option of choosing an alternative cable provider as early as next year, after SGC Ventures Ltd. made an application for a cable licence yesterday before the Telecommunications Commission.

With what she called a "passionate focus" to provide superior customer service to the people of Bermuda, SGC president Crystal Todd told the commission that the concept of introducing an alternative to Bermuda CableVision stemmed from her frustration at the lack of choices available to the local viewing audience.

"My frustration turned into a passion and a reality that we could make for the Island," she said. "Bermuda, although being a small island, should not be restricted to choice."

SGC intends to introduce up to 90 channels in the local market.

Ms Todd said the company wanted to provide MMDS (digital) service in Bermuda, as it could be rapidly put into people's homes and would have a minimal environmental impact. The implementation of a digital system does not entail the digging of any roads, as is required with wire systems.

And while he was unable to give a definitive channel line-up, management head David Price told the commission that the SGC was in talks with various studios and programme providers for tentative contracts as no firm deals could be made until the company received its licence.

But, Mr. Price said the company had agreements in place with Fox, Turner Broadcasting, DeFontes Broadcasting (local channel 11) and Bermuda Broadcasting Company.

With an expected staff of around 40, Mr. Price emphasised the company's commitment to training as many Bermudians as it could from station engineers to installers.

"The quality of the training the staff receive is important," he said. "Given they have the passion that we feel, it will be successful."

And while he admitted that in-depth market surveys had to be conducted, Mr. Price said, informally, the general response from the public was "anything would be better".

And Steven Rohrlick, a former director of Cellular One, said he had faith the company would excel if granted a licence.

"I really believe that one of the things a business needs is a passionate focus," he said.

"The ability of an organisation to constantly and consistently give customers what they need will lead to success."

He also said that by adding a competitor to the cable provider market would benefit Bermudians all around.

"By raising the standard, CableVision will raise its standard of service in order for them to compete - either way, consumers of Bermuda will win," he said.

CableVision hits back - Page 2