JT appeals regulator's ruling on landline prices

Thursday 13 October 2016

JT and the telecoms regulator have clashed again over landline prices.

In a disagreement which has been running for some months, the regulator (CICRA) has told JT to reduce landline prices by 13% over the next three years, as it claims they are too high; JT has challenged that, arguing that CICRA is not taking into account factors like its investment in the local network, or the heavily subsidised PrimeTalk tariff for senior citizens.

Now, JT has decided to issue a legal appeal against the regulator's decision. 

JT’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Daragh McDermott commented:

“JT has formally appealed CICRA’s Final Notice on a Retail Price Control, and the Royal Court has consented to putting the legal proceedings on hold in order that a resolution can be discussed between the parties.

“We are meeting CICRA soon to discuss this issue, and remain hopeful a resolution can be found outside of the legal process.

“JT has no option but to take this course of action as we believe CICRA has seriously erred in its assessment of the Jersey market, and if we didn’t lodge an appeal, an incorrect decision would come into effect."

CICRA have issued a statement saying that the appeal will cause 'delays:'

"After CICRA issued its decision (which was the result of a statutory process that began in 2015) JT indicated it had new information it wished CICRA to consider. CICRA has yet to see that new information and is unable to indicate what, if any, implication it could have.

"The Royal Court has agreed to allow for a stay of 21 days which will allow further time for CICRA to be presented with any new information. JT is able to withdraw its appeal at any time.

"In the event that the appeal proceeds, given court availability, the start date for the CICRA price control of 1 January 2017 will be further delayed and any new date will be subject to a court decision."