The Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA) has issued its final 999 Guidance for telecoms operators having completed a consultation on its planned publication.
The purpose of the Guidance is to clarify expectations on telecoms operators that have a licence condition obligation to provide an emergency calls service. It also provides a framework against which the JCRA can assess any future loss of the emergency call service in Jersey.
The JCRA decided to develop and issue the Guidance following several earlier incidents leading to the loss or partial loss of the emergency call service. Its contents include statements on network reliability, responsibilities for service quality, expected emergency call answering standards and a framework for future service loss incident reporting.
Tim Ringsdore, Chief Executive of the JCRA said: “The availability of an effective 999 service is critically important to the Island, given that islanders and visitors expect to rely on it for their safety and security.
“We know that local telecoms operators understand this importance and have asked us for more clarity on the standards expected. Having now engaged with them on proposed Guidance, and incorporated feedback where appropriate, we’re pleased to be issuing a final version.”
In creating the guidance, the JCRA has worked closely with Justice and Home Affairs, the government department responsible for providing and coordinating local emergency services. The JCRA expects to continue this cooperation in the future and work with local telecom operators to ensure the new guidance is used to ensure the highest possible standard of 999 service.
Click here if you are interested in finding out more about the 999 guidance.
