Sure Group CEO welcomes JCRA approval of proposed Airtel merger

Alistair Beak, Sure’s Group CEO, welcomed the news that the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA) has approved Sure’s proposed acquisition of Airtel Vodafone in Jersey

“Today’s announcement is great news and a key step towards restructuring the way telecommunications are provided across the Channel Islands which will result in greater investment and improved services, laying the foundation for an increasingly digital future.

If approval of the acquisition is also granted in Guernsey, then we will embark on a very significant investment of up to £48m in a new mobile network, bringing the very best 5G technology to the Channel Islands. Customers will benefit from faster data speeds, wider coverage, greater value for money and a more resilient and secure mobile network to perfectly complement fibre broadband.

Importantly the JCRA has recognised that ‘the outcome will protect consumers and ensure healthy competition’ as a result of Sure’s legally binding promises. These, along with the continuation of tariffs and pricing, have been strengthened by the announcement in May of our agreement with the Channel Islands Coop to launch a virtual mobile network, meaning customers will continue to have the choice of three operators.

The new 5G network will futureproof the island, enable our increasingly digital lives, and contribute to future economic growth.

While today’s news is welcome, the transaction and its many benefits will only be realised if approval is secured from the Guernsey authorities, which is the final remaining element to the acquisition proceeding.”