New Competition In Telecoms Will Boost Jersey E-Business

Tax-news.com

09 February 2000

Press Release: Jersey is giving the Island's emerging electronic business a boost by opening up its telecommunications market to free competition.

In the Island's government, the States of Jersey, senior politician Senator Pierre Horsfall announced the progressive liberalisation of the telecommunications market through a number of mechanisms.

These will include:
- the introduction of competitive carriers
- the establishment of an independent regulator
- the adoption, as a basis, of the UK regulatory and licensing model
- a serious effort from government to promote international e-business.

All of these initiatives will be reflected in a draft Telecommunications Law. The current telecommunications operator, the States owned Jersey Telecoms, will continue to play a major part in the new environment as a commercial company. A Working Group is currently developing detailed proposals for the legal and regulatory framework to give effect to the changes.

The Island has a body, the Jersey Information Society Commission, dedicated to the development of e-business, among other strategic priorities. The Commission's Chairman, Mr. Peter Griffiths has played a key advisory role in the States' decision. He commented; "Competitive telecommunications is now the norm in Europe and in many places around the world. Telecommunications is probably the single most important infrastructure for any business in the economy and Jersey needs to move towards competitive telecommunications, due to the nature of the market and the expectations of customers. Jersey is determined to provide its international customers with the best possible environment in which to conduct e-business."

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