An Olympic-sized cheer abounded across the Island yesterday on the news from the Ministry of Telecommunications, CableVision and Bermuda Broadcasting Company (BBC)that coverage of the Winter Games would be expanded.

Three local channels will now be broadcasting the 2002 Olympics from Salt Lake City for the duration of the Games - ZFB channel 7 (which holds local broadcast rights for the Games) and cable TV channels 6 (WDIV) and 25 (CNBC).

Local coverage of the Salt Lake City games first fell under heavy criticism when technical problems resulted in complete blackout of coverage for a couple of hours Friday evening.

While that problem was rectified, hockey fans continued to fume over the CNBC blackout because ZFB 7 was not airing any Olympic coverage at all while the popular winter sport was being shown on channel 25 - which CableVision subscribers pay for but were unable to watch.

Yesterday, however the Ministry of Telecommunications brokered a deal to satisfy all fans of winter sports.

Although BBC hold exclusive rights to the Olympic feed in Bermuda and originally intended to air coverage only on ZFB 7, company CEO Rick Richardson instructed local cable TV provider CableVision to end the blackout of CNBC last night.

"We are pleased that both parties were able to reach an amicable solution," said Telecommunications Minister Renee Webb yesterday.

"We believe this decision clearly reflects the Ministry's commitment to ensuring that the best interest of the general public comes first."

BBCo released a statement on the station's decision to end the blackout of CNBC channel 25 Monday evening.

"Viewers will be pleased to know they can turn in to men's ice hockey beginning 7 p.m. (last night)," said the statement.

"That's terrific," said one formerly disgruntled hockey fan to The Royal Gazette as he switched his television to the added Olympic coverage. "I'm watching hockey right now."

ZFB 7 will continue its broadcasting of the Olympics as originally scheduled and that feed will also be carried on WDIV channel 6, the BBC statement added.

"We're pleased to be able to bring CNBC back on for our customers," CableVision general manager Jeremy Elmas said in response to the move.

"Mr. Richardson's decision is certain to be appreciated by the Bermuda public, who will now be able to enjoy more coverage of the Games."