Sure has announced its intention to acquire Airtel-Vodafone in a move the telecoms operator says will "result in up to £48m being invested in a new innovative mobile network" including 5G services.
The plan to acquire 100% of Airtel-Vodafone in the Channel Islands from Bharti Global Limited is currently subject to regulatory approval in both Jersey and Guernsey.
Under current plans, Sure says the Airtel-Voadafone team would be integrated into a merged business.
"This merger will result in significant investment being made in the Channel Islands' digital infrastructure at a time when demand for connectivity has never been greater," CEO Alistair Beak said.
"Putting customers first, it will create a brand-new future-proofed mobile network which will improve coverage, value and reliability, and provide gigabit speeds to support enhanced connectivity. The combination of Sure and Airtel Vodafone will mean that as a larger business we can compete more effectively which will ultimately be great news for customers in terms of value and service."
Pictured: Sure's CEO, Alistair Beak.
Airtel-Vodafone said the planned merger would help ensure the long-term sustainability of the telecom sector across the islands.
“This merger will benefit consumers, enterprises, employees and the telecom infrastructure as a whole, and the Airtel-Vodafone team is looking forward to joining the Sure family,” its CEO, Sid Ahlawat, commented.
Mr Beak went on to say that Sure looks "forward to welcoming the Airtel-Vodafone team to the Sure family", adding: "This will be a fantastic opportunity for us all to build a mobile network of the highest quality.
“We are prepared to make a number of promises to ensure Jersey customers get the best combined value of Sure and Airtel-Vodafone as well as, promising to improve the quality of network service and reliability.”
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