This Is Guernsey

By Nick Mann

COMMERCE and Employment faces questions over the operation of the Office of Utility Regulation.

After a failed attempt at the September States meeting to get the regulator’s annual report debated, Deputy David De Lisle (pictured) is to see to it the issue is aired during question time instead.

‘The past year has seen the introduction of a third telecom operator to Guernsey, he said.  ‘And so there is a need to assess the current situation and the future role of government in telecommunications, particularly in view of the objectives of the OUR to promote competition and introduce new entrants into the marketplace.’

He said that the OUR was looking to reduce the focus of regulation where market competition was becoming more effective and review licence terms, so that competition rather than regulation will ensure consumer interests are protected.

The new competition law may further enable the regulatory function of OUR to step back, he said.

‘This comes at a time when many people want more controls – restriction on the number of operators, rationalisation in the number of masts and infrastructure, more regulatory control from government,’ said Deputy De Lisle.

‘Added to all that is the OUR’s call for a more structured response by government in the telecoms area and the question of how to balance the need for protection of the island’s green spaces with the demands of business and consumers for enhanced services.’

He also wants an update on the department’s discussions with the UK on low-value consignment relief.

Anti-mobile phone mast campaigner Deputy Gloria Dudley-Owen seconded the attempt to get the OUR report debated.

‘I just feel the OUR is a law unto itself.

‘I was concerned when I read in its report it was talking about, perhaps, a fourth operator coming in, or at least there being no reason why the market couldn’t be opened up further,’ she said.

She wanted these kind of issues aired, and pledged to keep a close eye on things, but Deputy Dudley-Owen is stopping short of bringing a requete which would force the issue.

Article posted on 13th October, 2008 - 1.00pm