A Bill promoting Bermuda as a “landing hub for transatlantic submarine cables” carrying internet and telecommunications has won approval from both parties in the House of Assembly.

Walter Roban, the Deputy Premier, said on Friday that the “one-stop shop” regime for approving permits could boost a new industry for the island as a centre for companies installing the communications cables.

The three existing landing points are run by the companies GlobeNet, Challenger and Gemini, but an offshore protected area on the South Shore could accommodate up to six cables.

Leah Scott, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, gave her support, saying she was “always in favour of something that’s going to diversify our economy”.

Cole Simons, the shadow education minister, told the House he was “delighted that the Progressive Labour Party is picking up the responsibility of moving this industry forward”.

Wayne Caines, the national security minister, recalled his own experience as a “newly minted lawyer” helping set up undersea cables with the locally based company Global Crossing.

Noting the island’s experience in the industry, Mr Caines said: “This Bill is fit for purpose — we have an opportunity to be at the vanguard of something this country is known for.”