The States of Guernsey have backed a move to temporarily suspend local competition law to allow Sure’s acquisition of Airtel Vodafone to go ahead in Guernsey.
Sure Group CEO Alistair Beak (pictured) responded to the decision: “Today’s decision is great news for Sure and Airtel customers and the future of telecommunications services in Guernsey and Jersey. We are grateful that Deputies have recognised the numerous strategic, economic and social benefits of our acquisition of Airtel.
“The approval granted today paves the way for a significant investment of up to £48m in a world-class 5G mobile network for the islands. We have made several legally binding commitments to ensure Sure and Airtel customers, as well as the wider community, benefit significantly – in the form of high-speed data services, improved coverage, and greater value for money; all while maintaining competition in the market through the commitment to launch the Channel Islands Coop as a new operator.
“The investment in world-class digital infrastructure will support our increasingly digital lives, connecting our island communities to a better future and contributing to economic growth.
“Having secured approval in Jersey earlier in the year we can now move forward and complete the transaction in the coming weeks. In the meantime, Sure and Airtel Vodafone will continue to operate as two separate companies.
“I’d like to thank everyone on our team who has worked so hard on the acquisition so far.”
