Select a region
Telecoms operator Sure's purchase of Airtel-Vodafone has been given the green light by the island's competition watchdog – with a set of specific conditions put in place to ensure competition remains in the industry.
The acquisition in Guernsey is still subject to regulatory approval.
If approved, almost £50 million will be invested in a new 5G mobile network as part of a deal which will see Sure acquire Airtel-Vodafone across the Channel Islands.
Sure’s Group CEO, Alistair Beak, described the Jersey approval as “great news” and a crucial step towards restructuring telecommunications in the Channel Islands.
He added: “It is key step towards restructuring the way telecommunications are provided across the Channel Islands which will result in greater investment and improved services, laying the foundation for an increasingly digital future.”
Pictured: Alistair Beak, CEO of Sure Group
Mr Beak said that if approval is also granted in Guernsey, the company plans to invest up to £48 million in a new mobile network to bring “the very best” 5G technology to the Channel Islands.
He added: “Customers will benefit from faster data speeds, wider coverage, greater value for money and a more resilient and secure mobile network to perfectly complement fibre broadband.”
To address concerns about reduced competition as the number of mobile service providers in Jersey drops from three to two, the JCRA has set specific conditions.
First, the Channel Islands Co-op will enter the market as a mobile virtual network operator, using Sure's network infrastructure.
Second, current consumer prices will be protected for 36 months to prevent sudden price increases due to reduced competition.
Lastly, Sure’s market share is expected to increase to approximately 47% after the merger.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.