People lined up to voice their opinion when The Royal Gazette took to the street to ask whether the public felt the Bermuda Telephone Company (BTC) should be fined for poor service.

"Fining BTC is a drastic measure,'' said Andre Simmons, "Only because it's the only phone company we have. We should probably revisit the idea.'' Earlston Thompson, who was passing by while The Royal Gazette was talking to another person, swung back around and said: "They should be held accountable.

"A phone line is something of a necessity, particularly to the elderly. And as far as the businesses, in order for business to provide service, phones should work.

"But not fines all the time, only in some instances,'' he added.

The Bermuda Regiment's Sergeant Jermaine Simons, a manager of Four Star Pizza said he could identify with the company.

"As a consumer it sounds good, but as a businessman I know it's a bad idea,'' he said.

"What they need to do is encourage competition as far as the level of phone service is concerned.'' Sonia Durham said: "We need some service but also give them some competition.

Maybe they should be fined, but I think they need some competition.'' One man, who waited in line to voice his opinion, said fines were not the answer.

"Absolutely not. Bermuda wants the maximum service for the minimum amount of money,'' said Derrick Nelson.

"For what we're paying, this is what we get. If we want more service, we should be prepared to pay more money. What kind of services do people get at Smith's or Meyers -- at Transport Control Department and the bank,'' he said.

In contrast John Edwards condemned the local phone carrier's level of service and called for a fine.

"Absolutely, service is very bad. I think we all agree with it. I enjoy the idea with the new competition. BTC needs to spread their wings -- I think (the fine) is a good idea.'' James Thompson, waiting for a bus, said: "Fine them. Money makes the world go around, so fine them.'' College student Regiment soldier, Harlem Place added: "It's hard to say. You never know, fining them may make them work harder.'' FINE STATE OF AFFAIRS Derrick Nelson Sonia Durham John Edwards