data communications market with upstart Quantum Communications. BTC has announced it will complete connecting Hamilton businesses to its dormant fibre optic network by December.

Quantum Communications recently finished putting in a fibre optic connection in Hamilton to target international business demand for high-speed data transmission service. Quantum has also stated it will begin service by December.

Quantum's main shareholder is Belco Holdings Ltd. Cable & Wireless also holds a stake in the company. Quantum was one of the companies which received a licence to compete in the Bermuda's previously monopolistic telecommunications market.

Currently BTC provides data communications using copper telephone lines. Fibre optic communications handles much more data at higher speeds. Currently companies which want a fibre optic connection to another building must specially contract BTC to do the job.

BTC put a fibre optic network into Hamilton about five years ago but did not make the connection to individual buildings because of the cost, Francis Mussenden, assistant vice president of planning and product development, said.

"The electronic pricing was astronomical,'' he said. "It has (now) become more attractive.'' He said the decision to make the connection to the network was made about six months ago. BTC has set aside $3 million to improve its telephone network, most of which will go towards the connecting individual buildings to the fibre optic ring in Hamilton.

"It will allow us to provide a more efficient and faster service,'' Mr.

Mussenden said.