Mobile player Wave claims 20% of market

THE number of people using Wave Telecom's mobile service has almost doubled over the year to more than 11,500. The Jersey Telecoms-owned firm now claims to control 20% of Guernsey's mobile-phone market.

'We have seen exceptional growth in the mobile sector,' said Wave managing director Tim Ringsdore.

'I think all the things we promised we would do we have done. People see Wave as a value for money operator - more and more are migrating.'

Mr Ringsdore said figures released between October 2005 and October 2006 showed a 91% increase in pay-as-you-go customers and a 113% increase in pay-monthly.

The firm has also made heavy investments in its mobile infrastructure in the island.

Project Liberty, a £7m. high-capacity fibre-optic cable between Guernsey and the south of England, should be in service by 2008.

'It will allow us to provide complete business solutions for private circuits,' said Mr Ringsdore.

'As demand for high bandwidth grows, the cable will allow us to supply Internet access for a number of different services.

'People can download more data more cost-effectively.'

He believed reliable Internet connections were vital for business sector growth.

'Given that companies can now host e-gaming systems in Guernsey, people need to know that connectivity is reliable and resilient,' he said.

'The Alderney regulator is recognised worldwide. Guernsey is now being seen as a viable investment area.'

He added that the company had also seen a rise in interest from local businesses, which he said was partly due to offers on national and international calls.

Wave welcomed competition from Bharti Global, the third entrant into the island's telecoms market. But Mr Ringsdore said time would tell whether there was room for another telecoms player.

He confirmed that Wave would be happy to share its telecoms infrastructure with Bharti where possible.