We operate in best interests of customers, say telcos
SURE and JT insisted they are committed to competition and operating in the best interest of consumers after being accused of anti-competitive behaviour.
The Guernsey Competition and Regulatory Authority has provisionally found the two mobile network providers infringed competition law by entering into an agreement that had the object of preventing local competition.
‘As a responsible operator we strongly refute the allegations of anti-competitive behaviour made by the GCRA and will be defending ourselves rigorously,’ said Sure acting group chief executive officer Alistair Beak, pictured right.
‘We must also express our concerns regarding the way in which the GCRA has conducted this investigation, which we believe has been manifestly unfair.
‘We are committed to ensuring that the Guernsey telecoms market is fair and open and that we operate in the best interests of consumers.’
JT said the GCRA had reached the wrong conclusion.
The company had brought competition to the telecoms market in Guernsey in the first place and demonstrated its ‘deep commitment’ to the island in many ways from the scale of investment in local networks, the community and jobs, said a spokesman.
‘That long-term commitment has seen us grow from providing mobile services to also installing extensive full-fibre broadband in St Peter Port, and connecting up the majority of local businesses, to partnering with the States to connect all government sites, and help to deliver Guernsey’s digital future.
‘We are proud that the telecoms market in Guernsey is one of the island’s most competitive, providing benefit to the whole community.
“We believe that our pro-competitive stance speaks for itself, and that the GCRA has reached the incorrect interim conclusions in this important matter.
'We will continue to cooperate fully with their investigation, ahead of their decision being finalised.
‘For the record, JT has repeatedly demonstrated its appetite to compete legally, ethically and fairly across the Channel Islands, and that’s exactly what we will continue to do.’
The two companies now have until 18 June to make written representations to the GRCA in relation to the decision that it proposes to take.
It will assess those submissions and then make a decision whether the draft decision will be confirmed, modified or withdrawn.
