The Jersey Competition Regulation Authority has invited comments in regard to the proposed acquisition of the Airtel business in Jersey by Sure.
Sure say that the proposed merger, announced at the beginning of October, would trigger significant investment in the islands’ mobile networks with customers benefiting from faster data speeds, wider coverage, better value for money and a more resilient and secure mobile network.
The promises from Sure are:
- Improved service: The latest 5G mobile technology will improve coverage and download speeds in a new single network. It will complement the cutting-edge fibre network, bringing gigabit speeds everywhere and acting as a key enabler for the digital economy.
- Great value: For all existing and new customers, Sure will continue to offer market leading Unlimited Data plans. Airtel-Vodafone customers will also be able to benefit from Sure’s Big Bundle in the future, saving up to £246 per year. Sure will continue to offer Airtel-Vodafone’s Basic plan which is currently the lowest priced plan available in the market.
- Reliability: The new network will be highly secure, using the most trusted technology, which will achieve full compliance with High-Risk Vendor (HRV) regulations ahead of schedule. The new network will also be built to high standards of resiliency and be better for the environment – with around one third fewer masts and a lower carbon footprint.
Alistair Beak, Sure’s Group CEO, welcomed the merger as good news for customers and the Channel Islands: “This merger will result in significant investment being made in the Channel Islands’ digital infrastructure at a time when demand for connectivity has never been greater,” he said.
Sure plans to integrate the Airtel-Vodafone team into the new merged business, providing new career and growth opportunities through Sure’s extensive training and development program.
Sid Ahlawat, CEO at Airtel-Vodafone said: “This merger will benefit consumers, enterprises, employees and the telecom infrastructure as a whole, and the Airtel-Vodafone team is looking forward to joining the Sure family.”
Please send any comments to the JCRA by e-mail, clearly marked ‘C-042 – Sure, Airtel’.
The deadline for comments is 5pm on 21st November 2022.
A public version of the merger application form is available on request.
Pictured: Tim Ringsdore, Chief Executive of the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority
