CABLE & Wireless has confirmed it is interested in buying Jersey Telecom. Although there have been no firm offers for JT, which owns C&W’s Guernsey mobile competitor Wave Telecom, Harris Jones, chief executive of C&W’s international business, has indicated that his company could be prepared to make a bid.

He met Economic Development minister Philip Ozouf on a visit to the island last week for what he described as ‘candid and open discussions’.

‘Let’s just say we are a natural candidate,’ said Mr Jones. ‘We are very committed to the Channel Islands and we are investing in our infrastructure.

‘Many of our markets are islands so we understand the economic constraints. At the same time, we have some understanding of the requirements needed to support the offshore banking business.’

Mr Jones added that Jersey held a number of attractions for the group.

‘We think Jersey is tremendous – we like the stable political structure, we like the GDP, the size of the market fits perfectly, we like the fact that we can move into the market and deliver capabilities which do not exist.’

Any sale would have to be agreed by the States of Jersey. A debate is expected in October.

Chief Minister Frank Walker said that the proposal was exploratory and a sale would progress only after public and States consultation.

He added that Jersey Telecoms’ 470 staff had been assured that they would be protected if the company were sold. Cable & Wireless, which bought Guernsey Telecoms for £30m. in 2002, already has a full licence to operate in Jersey.

It has recently launched residential services in the island and is close to launching a mobile one and a new shop in St Helier.

Mr Jones said C&W’s interest was part of a big plan. ‘We want to be the leading provider of telecoms services in the market and the preferred provider for corporations and residents.’