IoM To Update Telecoms Legislation

by Amanda Banks, Tax-News.com, London

13 August 2010

The Isle of Man’s Communications Commission on August 12 published responses to its consultation on revising communications regulation in the island.

Explaining the rationale for the consultation, launched last December, the Commission said: “The Isle of Man’s good communications networks and services have been key to the island’s competitive edge and economic growth. However, the island’s legislation is increasingly outdated and inflexible as it was drafted in a largely pre-competition, pre-mobile, pre-digital and pre-Internet age.”

“The island needs the best regulatory framework to enable continual development. Improving the island’s communications infrastructure will ensure that the island remains leading-edge, both to remain competitive, and to develop new wealth-creating industries.”

A total of twenty-two responses were received in respect of the consultation, the majority of which agreed with the Commission’s recommendation that the island needs an approach to communications regulation tailored to the island’s unique position.

It has been agreed, in line with respondents, that the Isle of Man’s regulation should focus on ‘maximizing the island’s social and economic potential’; and ‘the adoption of a cooperative regulatory approach when tackling disputes or areas of concern’.

“This approach to communications regulation will provide a more certain environment for operators to continue to invest in and upgrade the island’s communications infrastructure, and help stimulate innovative services for consumers and businesses alike,” the Commission added.

Commenting, Adrian Earnshaw, Chairman of the Communications Commission, said:

”Quality communications infrastructure and services benefit our society and have underpinned much of our economic success to date. Effective and forward-looking regulation is vital if we wish to continue to diversify and grow our economy. The Commission has obtained Council of Ministers’ approval to engage legal draftsmen and will now begin the process of updating the island’s communications legislation.”

A newly-released report, entitled ‘The Isle of Man Approach to Telecommunications Regulation and Spectrum Awards’ is to form the basis of the new communications regulation.

A complementary report to be published at a later date will assess the opportunities in the audio-visual market, and assess ways the island’s regulatory framework can be geared to facilitate growth into these areas.

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