Sure’s response to the Policy Letter released today by the Committee for Economic Development
If it is approved by the States of Guernsey, Sure’s proposed acquisition of Airtel will:
- transform the way telecommunications is delivered in Guernsey;
- trigger significant investment to introduce 5G mobile connectivity in the island for the first time;
- retain three operators in the mobile market; and
- lay the foundation for an increasingly digital future.
Sure applied to the States of Guernsey to review the proposed transaction because of the significance of the strategic benefits to Guernsey, consumers and the island’s digital infrastructure.
If the transaction is approved, Sure will immediately invest up to £35m to build a next-generation 5G mobile network, making several legally binding commitments to deliver high-speed data services, improved coverage, and greater value for money. This builds on Sure’s ongoing investment in Guernsey’s fibre network and means that Sure will directly invest a total of up to £60m across 5G and fibre in Guernsey by the end of 2026.
The new mobile network will bring substantial environmental benefits thanks to requiring around a third fewer mobile sites than the current combined Sure and Airtel networks. A further commitment will ensure that the new network exceeds the stringent security standards being implemented in the UK, which are likely to be replicated in Guernsey, providing secure access for consumers ahead of when those standards are required.
Sure has also proposed a number of additional legally binding commitments – including the continuation of existing tariffs and pricing – which have been strengthened by its agreement with the Channel Islands Co-op to launch a virtual mobile network, meaning customers will continue to have the choice of three mobile providers if the transaction is approved.
Alistair Beak, Sure Group CEO, said: “Everything we do today, from education to business to connecting with each other, is built on a foundation of high-speed, reliable networks, and Sure’s proposed acquisition of Airtel will support islanders’ increasingly digital lives and contribute to economic growth.
“The legally binding commitments to invest and transform telecommunications and put in place enhanced consumer protections will ensure Guernsey will have world class digital infrastructure and services for the future. We are hopeful that Deputies will recognise these benefits and are looking forward to engaging with as many of them as possible to answer any questions they might have.”
Issued by Dan Gallienne, Orchard PR, 01481 251251, dan@orchardpr.com