The Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA) is recommending licence changes to ensure telecoms providers can use allocated radio spectrum to improve the Island’s mobile services.
Islanders and local organisations depend on invisible radio spectrum to connect mobile phones and other devices to wireless telecoms networks. As mobile data usage continues to grow, mobile network providers must ensure sufficient spectrum is available to meet local demand. In response to a recent request, the JCRA is taking steps to enable the use of existing allocated spectrum to support the latest mobile technologies.
Historic spectrum licences issued by UK communications regulator Ofcom included certain conditions limiting the use of associated spectrum to specific mobile services, such as 3G. Because Ofcom is legally responsible for managing Jersey’s spectrum with support from the JCRA, licenses issued to local providers contain the same limitations.
However, following a review of spectrum licences in the UK, Ofcom has decided to remove these conditions. The goal is to enhance mobile service coverage and quality by allowing existing spectrum to be repurposed for newer technologies such as 5G.
After consulting with the UK regulator and assessing local conditions, the JCRA has decided to recommend the same changes to local spectrum licences.
Commenting on the move, JCRA CEO Tim Ringsdore (pictured) emphasised the importance of removing constraints and improving local telecoms services: “Newer technologies such as 5G will fully unlock the potential of wireless services through enabling superfast mobile broadband connections. We want to ensure that local providers can fully use their allocated spectrum to deliver this.
“After consulting with Ofcom and assessing local conditions, the JCRA has decided to recommend the same changes to local spectrum licences. In doing so, the JCRA is applying a pragmatic and proportionate approach, ensuring regulation supports innovation while continuing to safeguard and enhance the services for consumers and businesses.”
