North Rock launches local loop services

Bermudan telecom operator North Rock Communications last week launched local telecom services in Bermuda, the first to compete against incumbent operator Bermuda Telephone Company, according to The Royal Gazette. The company is using a fixed wireless network, which originally began tests in December 1999. The company said the network covers 80% of the island. The company plans to charge a flat rate of US$79 a month for the service. The response has been "overwhelming," North Rock marketing manager Vicki Coelho said. North Rock has been providing Internet access and long distance telephone services for six years.