international phone rates from Bermuda.

Minister of Management and Technology the Hon. Sen. Michael Winfield announced the rivals to the Bermuda Telephone Company and Cable and Wireless's monopoly, yesterday in Senate.

All six are seeking to provide outgoing long distance calls at a cheaper rate than at present.

Sen. Winfield said: "Four of the six persons have now actually made a firm application for a licence and I expect licence applications from the other two interested parties in the near future.'' On November 22, in accordance with the Telecommunications Act, Sen. Winfield referred the four applications to the Telecommunications Commission which is now dealing with the applications and will schedule hearings soon. Sen.

Winfield said: "I have asked for the process to be dealt with as expeditiously as possible.

"I wish to assure the public that Government is cognisant of their concerns over the cost of long distance telephone rates.'' "The provision of public telecommunication services, however is a complex issue which goes far beyond merely the cost of the service.'' He said Government had to ensure services were of high quality and remained up to date.