Mercury Communications Ltd is claiming that the UK Office of Telecommunications has supported its latest complaint that British Telecommunications Plc has broken the interconnect agreement, and is refusing to carry Mercury’s calls over long distances. The dispute centres on the agreement which allows Mercury to access British Telecom’s lines in areas where it does not have its own. Oftel says it took up the complaint, made some six weeks ago, gave British Telecom a period in which to act, and has reason to believe that it is doing so. Mercury now claims Sir Brian Carsburg supports its complaints, which will now centre over what exact fee it should pay Telecom. Mercury also has on offer Mercury compatible phones which allow users to access Mercury’s service at the touch of a button. The phones for users in Mercury access areas – around 55% of the nation – are made by Betacom Plc, GEC Plessey Telecommunications Ltd and Answercall Ltd. Downside is that subscribers will end up with two bills one from British Telecom, one from Mercury – but should find that they pay less altogether.