WAVE Telecom has been given another two months to launch 2G and 3G mobile services. Utilities regulator Regina Finn said she was disappointed at the delay.

‘It is consumers who are affected by this. They have been looking forward to the benefits that competition can bring to the mobile market.’

The company was granted a licence in March 2003 stipulating that the services should start by 30 April 2004.

Ms Finn could suspend or revoke the company’s licence or fine it, but the law says she must also consider representations or objections.

But she has given Wave until 1 July to start the services.

Managing director Tim Ringsdore said the company had done everything in its power to launch a full Bailiwick mobile service by the April deadline.

‘We are as disappointed as the regulator that a full commercial launch has not been possible but this has been due to protracted negotiations with Cable & Wireless Guernsey over two key issues which have led to long delays,’ he said.

‘One of those, surrounding interconnectivity, is continuing and Wave is continuing discussions with C&W Guernsey and the Office of Utility Regulation to resolve this dispute.

‘Once this has happened, Wave will be in a position to provide real choice and innovation to islanders.’

Wave and any interested parties must make comments to the OUR by 5pm on Tuesday.