JCRA invites applications from operators interested in providing 5G services

Applications from companies interested in providing 5G services in Jersey have been invited by the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA). Applicants reportedly have until mid-November 2022 to submit their tenders, with the watchdog noting that companies ‘will need to demonstrate their ability to provider Islanders with advanced services associated with the new technology’. According to the JCRA, once the tenders have been evaluated it will make recommendations for awarding licences for up to three applicants.

Meanwhile, the JCRA has also confirmed the remaining timeline for the licensing process, in which it envisages evaluating tenders and determining the outcome by the end of 2022. Subsequently it expects to announce the tender outcome and make recommendations for spectrum licences to be issued by UK regulator Ofcom – which has responsibility for managing Jersey’s radio spectrum – between January and March 2023. Finally, the JCRA anticipates that Ofcom will issue the concessions by June 2023, while the Jersey regulator will itself complete any necessary local telecoms licensing arrangements by that date.

Commenting, JCRA CEO Tim Ringsdore said: ‘Releasing the invitation to tender for 5G spectrum licences marks a further important step in the process of ensuring Islanders have access to the next generation of mobile and wireless services. As would be expected, we’ve considered the views and examined the concerns of a wide range of stakeholders to reach this point. I’m confident that the packages being made available and application process for them are well-measured as a result.’