There will also be the chance for operators to bid for additional spectrum if they can deliver superfast broadband to those households which are currently outside the coverage for fibre-to-the-cabinet services, about 15% of the population.
The Channel Islands Competition and Regulatory Authorities yesterday published its plans for the introduction of the next-generation telecoms technology.
Despite its initial proposal to cut down on phone masts by issuing only one operator a licence with an obligation to let others access its network, this idea has been dropped in favour of what it calls a ‘beauty contest’ because of ‘significant inter-operability issues between 5G and 4G networks in the next two to three years’.
‘If Cicra were to proceed with its initial plan, it could distort retail competition in the Channel Islands,’ said the regulator in its statement-of-intent document.
But it will encourage network sharing in a bid to cut down on mobile masts: ‘The proliferation of masts is a major concern for both governments and Cicra will expect all operators to demonstrate methods of protecting the environments across the Channel Islands.’
Cicra said it dismissed the idea of holding an auction for spectrum, saying that a primary reason for this was the set-up costs might be disproportionate in a small jurisdiction. ‘Another reason is that Cicra is keen to ensure operators’ funds should not be diverted away from investment in networks and services that will benefit local consumers.’
Evaluation of the bids will be done against set criteria.
For the main applications, mobile coverage is weighted at 40%, quality of service 20%, protection of the environment 25% and innovation 15%.
Tim Ringsdore, director for telecommunications at Cicra, said: ‘We are committed to taking a pragmatic and fair approach when considering the spectrum bids and we have listened carefully to ensure government objectives can be met, as far as possible.
‘Because standalone 5G services will not be available for some time, we are adopting a phased multi-operator approach which will see some spectrum withheld. This will allow a gradual introduction of services and a level playing field for all operators.
‘We are also mindful of our objective to reduce where possible the environmental impact and will encourage the utilisation of existing infrastructure as far as possible.’
Spectrum is issued by Ofcom, the independent regulator for the UK telecommunications industry on the recommendation of the competition authority.
Operators will be invited to bid for spectrum, which will be awarded following a selection process, with recommendations made to Ofcom for the awards during 2020.
The tender process will be open to new and existing operators who will be required to hold both a Wireless Telegraphy Act licence from Ofcom and a valid Guernsey telecoms licence.
Cicra has issued an Invitation to Tender along with a consultation document, inviting interested parties to submit their comments to the authority by close of business on 6 January 2020. The tender and consultation documents can be accessed at www.cicra.gg/open-consultations/
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