WAVE TELECOM has been forced to push back its launch date. Delays caused by a dispute with Cable & Wireless Guernsey mean the company has not met all the licence conditions set by the Office of Utility Regulation.

It was due to launch at the end of April and has achieved the 80% demographic coverage required.

But the issue of interconnectivity with its rival has yet to be resolved.

‘Wave will launch a fully comprehensive mobile service to islanders only when it can provide the highest-quality service possible,’ said managing director Tim Ringsdore.

‘Despite delays with gaining Island Development Committee permission for sites, our networks are up and running and once the dispute with C&W Guernsey is resolved, we will be in a position to provide a first-class commercial service.’

As a result of achieving, and in some cases surpassing, the required demographic coverage, Wave’s 2.5G and 3G networks are now commercially live and supporting roaming customers.

‘A full commercial launch to Bailiwick customers has not been possible by 30 April due to delays in progressing two specific matters with C&W Guernsey,’ said Mr Ringsdore.

‘This has meant Wave has not fully met all the licence conditions set by the OUR.’

An issue involving access to two key C&W sites at Fort George and St Peter’s exchange has been resolved.

‘Negotiations here are ongoing and are taking longer than we would like.

‘Wave still has an outstanding issue with its rival regarding interconnectivity.

‘Until this is resolved, it is not commercially viable for Wave to launch. Discussions are ongoing with C&W Guernsey and the OUR to resolve this dispute.’

Wave now expects to launch later this summer.

C&W Guernsey indicated that it would comment on the matter, but none was forthcoming at the time of going to press.