In a bid to stave off disputes in the Internet business, Telecommunications Minister Renee Webb yesterday met with industry representatives to sort out looming conflicts over the provision of voice service using the technology.

Voice service using Internet technology brings the two Internet service providers into direct competition with the two international carriers.

Internet technology allows companies to package international voice communications more efficiently and could lower the costs of making a long distance call dramatically.

Bermuda Telephone Co. Ltd. (BTC) subsidiary Logic Communications Ltd. and North Rock Communications provide Internet services in Bermuda.

International carriers argue that licences granted to Internet service providers prevents the companies from offering voice over the Internet.

Another issue discussed was whether international providers Cable & Wireless and TeleBermuda International Ltd. were able to offer Internet service in the local market. Ms Webb said she had asked all four companies to provide written submissions about their plans to the Ministry and to the Telecommunications Commission.

Yesterday's meeting was a follow-up to a discussion Ms Webb held last week with telecommunications industry representatives to attempt to prevent disputes which began with the introduction of competition in the telecommunications market.

The companies were given two weeks to make written submissions about the ten problem areas identified at the meeting.

The priorities are to put in place a means of resolving disputes, to cut out loopholes in the regulations, and to review the system of classes of telecommunications licenses.

Ms Webb said more amendments would be proposed to Parliament in coming sessions.

Renee Webb