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The decision is expected to bring significant improvements to the digital infrastructure in Guernsey and Jersey
The States of Guernsey has approved the temporary suspension of competition law to allow Sure – a telecommunications company operating in the Channel Islands – to acquire 100% of local rival Airtel Vodafone.
The acquisition is part of Sure’s strategy to enhance its service offerings and expand its market presence in the region, the company said.
Sure plans to invest up to £48 million in developing a 5G mobile network for the islands. This investment aims to provide high-speed data services, improved coverage, and better value for money for customers.
Having reduced the number of network operators in the market from three to two, Sure has made several legally binding commitments to help maintain competition, One of including the introduction of the Channel Islands Coop as a new mobile virtual network operator (MVNO).
The new MVNO is expected to be operational within the next year.
Sure and Airtel Vodafone initially reached this merger agreement in October 2022. However, acquisition required approval from competition regulators in both Guernsey and Jersey. While Jersey’s competition regulator approved the deal earlier in the year, the States of Guernsey took longer to deliberate before arriving at today’s conclusion.
“Today’s decision is great news for Sure and Airtel customers and the future of telecommunications services in Guernsey and Jersey. We are grateful that Deputies have recognised the numerous strategic, economic and social benefits of our acquisition of Airtel,” said Sure Group CEO, Alistair Beak in a statement.
“This merger will result in significant investment being made in the Channel Islands’ digital infrastructure at a time when demand for connectivity has never been greater.”
The acquisition is expected to be completed before Christmas, with both Sure and Airtel Vodafone continuing to operate as separate entities until then,” he continued.
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