changes to telecommunications rules could mean higher Internet prices on the Island.

The warning came after Cable & Wireless filed writs against the Ministry of Telecommunications on Tuesday and said it could pull out of a $60 million investment on the Island.

Erich Hetzel, a director of North Rock, yesterday said he feared the big international carriers would force the hand of Government to get their own way.

Mr. Hetzel said this would close down competition and leave a monopoly that could dictate market prices. He added: "This is exactly the opposite of what the Minister of Telecommunications wanted when she made the changes. She wanted more competition to push prices down. But it is not a level playing field. Small local companies have to compete with international giants.'' Earlier this month, Telecommunications Minister Renee Webb announced that Government was changing the law to allow local Internet service providers to provide long distance calling facilities using the World Wide Web, and giants Cable & Wireless and TeleBermuda to enter the Internet market by allowing them to provide services to businesses.

See Business, Page 17