product after launching it a week ago.

And TeleBermuda International Ltd. plans to begin full commercial service in the next few weeks following the completion of network connections with the Bermuda Telephone Company.

TeleBermuda CEO Mike Kedar said: "It is truly remarkable when many hundreds of residential and business customers have literally been lining up to switch to TeleBermuda long distance services even before we begin commercial operations.

"Without hesitation, I can say the initial response to our service has exceeded our expectations and projections.'' The MarketPlace stores have signed on as TeleBermuda's first commercial customer with other businesses following suit, he continued. No actual figures on the number of people signing up for the service were released.

Mr. Kedar also directed praise at Parliament for passing the Telecommunications Amendment Act which was approved by the Senate last Monday.

He said: "Obviously the Bermuda market has been waiting a long time for competitive telecommunications services and the Government of Bermuda is to be highly commended for passing legislation which ensures competition is here to stay.'' He said the legislation -- which was "perhaps the most progressive and enlightened telecommunications legislation anywhere'' -- would ensure TeleBermuda's long term viability in the international telecommunications market.

"The legislation also provides the positive and solid regulatory framework, including protections against anti-competitive actions by the incumbent dominant international carrier, necessary for TeleBermuda to meet its capital requirements.'' Mr. Kedar said the main capital project was the installation of the company's new fibre-optic cable system which is on schedule to be introduced in October.