Jersey: E-Commerce Development Hinges On Improved Telecoms Regime

Robert Lee, Tax-news.com, London

15 February 2001

The States of Jersey has been assessing its telecommunications regime and, in a nutshell, has drawn the conclusion that changes are necessary, particularly with regard to the development of e-commerce on the island.

A report has been produced which is based on extensive briefings by the Policy and Resources Department, States of Jersey and members of the Chamber of Commerce, Institute of Directors and the Jersey Information Society Commission (JISC). These were followed by a series of interviews with telecommunications users in the business and private sectors and information and communications technologies (ICT) providers including Jersey Telecoms.

The JISC says it has come to two main conclusions - that 'Jersey Telecoms is perceived to have served the domestic sector in the Island well' and 'the business sector believes that tariffs outside the island are unacceptably high and that the advanced services offered, in particular for e-commerce, do not reflect international standards of excellence or the needs of an information based economy.'

Jersey is vying with a number of other leading jurisdictions to become a leading centre for e-commerce and the consensus is that the current situation is not conducive to the fast development of e-business. Thus the JISC has made two principal recommendations: that the States of Jersey should confirm that a competitive telecommunications environment is the driving force for development and an independent regulator of acknowledged standing with a clearly defined role should be established.

The JISC has also made a number of other recommendations, including a new telecommunications structure capable of maintaining revenues to the States of Jersey; the introduction of competitive carriers and service providers; the progressive opening up of the Jersey telecommunications market; the adoption of the UK regulatory and licensing model (excepting certain specialised areas where it is over-complex); and a serious effort should be made to promote international e-commerce.

E-commerce is generally viewed by most businesses in Jersey as the way forward and change in the island's telecommunications regime is seen as a necessary part of e-commerce development. A press release issued by the JISC stated: 'Our primary point is that telecommunications is acknowledged to be the central nervous system of any developed economy and is fundamental to the competitive position of any organisation or State. Experience in the UK and smaller states comparable to Jersey shows that a liberalised, competitive regime, subject to appropriate regulation, generates competitive advantage.We have identified models of excellence and we believe that by drawing on international experience the States of Jersey can take a fast track approach to telecommunications development.'

.

Recommended

Write a comment