Bermuda Telephone Co. Ltd. (BTC) rival Quantum Communications Ltd. began commercial operations last week and has so far captured four corporate customers, president and chief executive officer Jim Sullivan said yesterday.

The company is entering the market by initially offering local data communications services through its fibre optic network in Hamilton. Quantum plans on offering voice services by April once interconnection arrangements are completed with other telecommunications carriers.

Quantum's network was installed though Bermuda Electric Light Co. Ltd.

underground system.

Mr. Sullivan said the company had been in interconnectivity negotiations with the BTC but had not reached agreeable terms.

Quantum disputes the settlement rate BTC has offered to pay for passing customers on to the company's network. Quantum also does not agree with BTC's demand that all Quantum's traffic to other carriers must first pass though BTC. The issue has been submitted to the Telecommunications Commission for arbitration.

Quantum wants to go directly to long distance companies Cable & Wireless, and TeleBermuda International Ltd., and to cellular provider Bermuda Digital Communications.

Mr. Sullivan said the company was completing installation of its network in 30 office buildings throughout the Hamilton City area. The company is promising a connection within five business days to customers located in those buildings.

The company plans on expanding its network as demand warrants. Mr. Sullivan said projections are that Quantum will capture up to 25 percent of the market of those companies located in buildings where the network is installed.

Quantum currently has 28 staff.

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