and long distance providers could lead to lower international prices for the company's customers.

Quantum, which offers voice and data services in the Hamilton market, is undercutting by 10 cents what rival Bermuda Telephone Co. Ltd. (BTC) charges international carriers to access the local market.

Quantum is charging Cable & Wireless Plc. and TeleBermuda International 17 cents a minute for outgoing and incoming calls to the Island. The rate is 10 cents below what BTC charges the two companies.

A Quantum spokesman said the lower charge would give the international carriers the ability to lower their international rates.

"This provides the opportunity for international rates to come down,'' he said.

However, Quantum is currently in a battle with BTC over interconnection between the two companies' customers. BTC has refused to provide Quantum access to its Island-wide network until a legal dispute about the company's licence is resolved. BTC contends Quantum contravenes its telecommunications licence because the company doesn't own the fibre-optic network it operates on.

Until the dispute is settled Quantum customers can telephone any place in the world, and locally other Quantum customers.