The Guernsey Competition and Regulatory Authority has published a new approach to
support future iterations of mobile technology on the island beyond 4G.
It is consulting industry on a significant shift from the present approach to one that is lighter touch but retains accountability by those seeking to acquire valuable spectrum.
The recent announcement came when the island has a significant amount of additional spectrum to support new developments in the services we use, said the GCRA.
The Authority has put greater emphasis on securing investment in world-class networks that are resilient and can meet the challenges of the modern era. The new approach also looks to support States policy, in particular where competition is expected to be greater at the retail level rather than in network infrastructure.
Michael Byrne, CEO of the GCRA, said: “The demands and challenges of the rapidly
developing cyber era are significant for an island like ours. The ambitions we have as an island to stay competitive and keep our citizens safe, while promoting investment in our economy, particularly our digital infrastructure, are key factors in designing a regulatory approach that meets those needs.
“Having taken initial soundings from industry, we are confident that we have
achieved the right balance in the new approach we are proposing.”
The GCRA is consulting on the framework before it finalizes it and invites applicants to submit their case for additional or new spectrum.
Once it has concluded the process for finalizing a new spectrum award framework, the GCRA will begin accepting formal applications for 5G spectrum licences later in 2025, with awards to be made as soon as the GCRA receives and assesses completed applications.