Telecoms Regulator Resumes 5G Rollout

Monday, 7 March 2022 at 06:00

Jersey's telecoms regulator has restarted the process of rolling out 5G mobile networks.

The process of awarding licences to telecoms companies interested in operating networks originally began in 2018, before it was paused in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the time, the then-regulator CICRA planned on awarding five licences, meaning potentially five mobile networks would be able to operate in the Channel Islands.

Now, the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority is resuming work to rollout the next-generation mobile networks by launching a public consultation.

Tim Ringsdore, the JCRA's Chief Executive, says it's important to gauge how interest in 5G may have changed over the last two years:

"We're pleased to be restarting the process for licencing 5G spectrum for Jersey, and enabling future benefits for local mobile users.

As the pandemic's impact recedes and the situation with network security requirements becomes clearer, we believe that now is the right time to pick up this matter again and look forward to re-engaging with interested parties and islanders about 5G."

The British Isles' radio spectrum is managed by the UK's communications regulator, Ofcom, but in Jersey, it awards licences based on the recommendations of the JCRA which oversees telecoms here.

The consultation runs until 29 April 2022, when the JCRA will set out its plans to roll out 5G and invite applications from mobile operators to run networks.