sector.

For the bill to transform Bermuda's communications by introducing competition was set to be debated in the House of Assembly in the early hours of this morning.

Management and Technology Minister John Barritt declined to discuss the bill in detail in advance of the debate.

But he said: "It's a collection of a number of things which were in the position paper which was debated a number of weeks ago.'' Mr. Barritt said last month the rule changes were "enabling legislation'' -- with the details of what would be allowed in the move from monopoly to competition contained in a series of accompanying regulations.

That means changes could be made by Government orders, avoiding debate in the House of Assembly.

But through a process called "negative resolution'' any amendments could be debated if the House wanted to.

The framework is seen as a way to increase flexibility -- seen as the key to regulation because of the speed of change in the high-tech world of communications.

The new legislation will expand the role of Government's Telecommunications Commission -- which currently only reviews rate structures -- to include examination of changes proposed by service providers.

And under the new rules, the Commission will be able to review rates at any time.

Four new companies will be allowed to compete in the telecommunications market in Bermuda in addition to the existing firms, Bermuda Telephone Company and Cable & Wireless.

Among the new players are TeleBermuda, North Atlantic Telecommunications and Bermuda Digital.

But other firms may be allowed to compete in Bermuda in the future, based on interest and Ministerial approval.

The changes will mean a bigger Telecommunications Commission, which will probably need its own headquarters and a full-time administrator.

The Telecommunications Department is also set to increase from its current staffing level of three.