Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) has put out to tender plans for a 20 channel television service.

Local media company Hardell Communications took out a writ against BHB in July because it claimed it had an agreement to provide the service.

However, this was disputed at the time by King Edward VII Memorial Hospital chief executive officer Stephanie Reid, who said no progress had been made with Hardell in providing the service.

Patients at the hospital have been without television since late last year because of a dispute between Hardell and Bermuda Cablevision.

Hardell spokesman Corey Butterfield said in June his company approached Cablevision in October 2001 to use its services and was quoted a price.

However, according to Mr. Butterfield, Cablevision changed its mind last December and said ‘we cannot sell to resellers'.

The company, he said, then said it wanted to provide the hospital with the service directly.

Mrs Reid said in July: “There is no contract at this point in time (with Hardell). We have been waiting for the TV service from Hardell for quite some time and we have not made any progress.

“No, they did not have a contract. The hospital has a responsibility to its patients and they have been enquiring about the TV service for quite some time now and the hospital has to look at fulfilling its obligations.”

A BHB advert last week states the hospital is seeking a “licensed telecommunications company” to provide a minimum of 20 channels, an on-demand movie service, interactive games, internet services, and an automated billing service for patients.

The advert states the successful company must provide details on how it will maintain and service the system. Applications must be submitted by December 5.