JT rapped by watchdog

Wednesday 12 November 2014

JT has been ticked off by the competition regulator for trying to sell broadband to competitors’ customers as part of the fibreoptic project.

The company broke its licence conditions by approaching Sure customers to sell them broadband services while they were going through the fibre installation process. Although JT owns and maintains the broadband network, the competition authority has opened it up to other operators to make sure that customers are getting a fair deal.

From next June, Islanders will also be able to get their landline services from other operators besides JT when full competition comes into force.

The Channel Islands Competition and Regulatory Authorities decided not to fine JT over the licence breach because the company had co-operated with their investigation and agreed to commission an independent report with terms set by CICRA, with which the other operators can get involved.

CICRA chief executive Michael Byrne said: “During the fibre optic installation process JT’s fibre installation team had cause to write to Sure customers informing them about their fibre switchover. This was an appropriate communication on JT’s part.

“However at the same time JT took the opportunity to sell its own retail services to customers of Sure and, in doing so, placed Sure, who competes with JT, in a disadvantaged position as it was not able to contact JT’s customers in the same way.

“CICRA appreciates the steps JT has taken and we believe, in the circumstances, a fine is not the most appropriate way of resolving the matter.

“In the best interest of customers we want to ensure that there is no repetition of this behaviour and we have sought and received agreement from JT that it will carry out a full and transparent review of its processes in this area.”