The Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority is consulting on plans to update its guidance issued to local telecoms operators explaining expectations on providing the Island’s vital 999 emergency calls service.
The update follows the recent creation of a new code of practice between telecoms operators and the Emergency Services, which include the police, ambulance, fire service and marine rescue, establishing a framework of expectations on all parties. This has been jointly developed by organisations involved in the provision of the Island’s 999 service.
Licences issued to local telecoms operators include a condition ensuring that Islanders and visitors can make 999 calls at all times. Following several earlier service incidents, the Authority provided supplementary guidance in 2022 to help ensure a fuller understanding of expectations on the provision of the emergency calls service. Subsequently, a group comprising representatives of telecoms operators and the Emergency Services have created a new code of practice, which elaborates on arrangements between them to ensure the effectiveness of processes and procedures involved in handling 999 calls.
The proposed changes to the Authority’s 999 guidance reflect the new code of practice and clarify expectations relating to some of its provisions. This includes an update clarifying obligations on local telecoms operators to ensure they provide an end-to-end emergency call service connecting users to the police, ambulance, fire service and marine rescue.
Tim Ringsdore, CEO of the Authority said: “There’s been real collective progress made recently towards ensuring Jersey’s emergency calls service is as reliable and effective as possible, with the new code of practice an important element in helping achieve this. Our 999 guidance has a key role in maintaining expectations on standards and reinforcing obligations. While fairly minor, the proposed changes will help ensure continued understanding and consistency.”
