Commenting on the development, Chairman of the Communications Commission, Martyn Quayle, stated:

“The Communications Commission welcomes the introduction of further competition in the telecommunications sector and the increased consumer choice which should be beneficial to the Island and its people."

Cable & Wireless Isle of Man Limited, part of Cable & Wireless International, has provided fixed services to larger customers on the Island since 2002 and mobile services under the Sure brand since 2007.

Welcoming the Commission's decision, Simon Last-Sutton, Commercial Director of Cable and Wireless on the island said:

“Granting us an amended licence means better value and choice for the Isle of Man’s landline and business customers who, up until now, haven’t been able to shop around.

“Consumers will be able to choose who they want to provide their landline and business line services, and see which is the best value for them. We’ve demonstrated with our mobile phone licence in the last year that competition can only be a good thing for the island, and consumers should be really excited about what we’ve got planned for them in the coming months."

Cable & Wireless also provides phone services in the Channel Islands.