The Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA) has restarted the process required to award the radio spectrum needed to provide fifth generation (5G) services in Jersey.
The process was paused in 2020 in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and concerns expressed by the Government of Jersey regarding the security of 5G infrastructure.
Today the JCRA has restarted the process with a public consultation to find out how interest in 5G has been affected during the last two years.
Tim Ringsdore, Chief Executive of the JCRA said, “We’re pleased to be restarting the process for licencing 5G spectrum for Jersey, and enabling future benefits for local mobile users. As the pandemic’s impact recedes and the situation with network security requirements becomes clearer, we believe that now is the right time to pick up this matter again and look forward to re-engaging with interested parties and islanders about 5G.”
The process for awarding local 5G spectrum involves several steps culminating in a recommendation to Ofcom, the UK communications regulator responsible for managing radio spectrum throughout the British Isles. Prior to this, the JCRA plans to reassess interest and demand in 5G spectrum, create and publish a statement of intent setting out the approach to awarding and run an application process to select suitable network operators.
The first step, which is this consultation to reassess interest and demand, has been started with a document setting out the planned approach along with key influencing factors the JCRA intends taking into account within a revised statement of intent. This is available for review and comment on the JCRA website, with responses welcome until 29th April 2022.
