The Isle of Man’s Communications Commission on August 12 published responses
to its consultation on revising communications regulation in the
island.
Explaining the rationale for the consultation, launched last December, the
Commission said: “The Isle of Man’s good communications networks
and services have been key to the island’s competitive edge and economic
growth. However, the island’s legislation is increasingly
outdated and inflexible as it was drafted in a largely pre-competition, pre-mobile,
pre-digital and pre-Internet age.”
“The island needs the best regulatory framework to enable continual development.
Improving the island’s communications infrastructure will ensure that
the island remains leading-edge, both to remain competitive, and to develop new
wealth-creating industries.”
A total of twenty-two responses were received in respect of the consultation,
the majority of which agreed with the Commission’s recommendation that
the island needs an approach to communications regulation tailored to the island’s
unique position.
It has been agreed, in line with respondents, that the Isle of Man’s
regulation should focus on ‘maximizing the island’s social and economic
potential’; and ‘the adoption of a cooperative regulatory approach
when tackling disputes or areas of concern’.
“This approach to communications regulation will provide a more certain
environment for operators to continue to invest in and upgrade the island’s
communications infrastructure, and help stimulate innovative services for consumers
and businesses alike,” the Commission added.
Commenting, Adrian Earnshaw, Chairman of the Communications Commission, said:
”Quality communications infrastructure and services benefit our society
and have underpinned much of our economic success to date. Effective and forward-looking
regulation is vital if we wish to continue to diversify and grow our economy.
The Commission has obtained Council of Ministers’ approval to engage legal
draftsmen and will now begin the process of updating the island’s communications
legislation.”
A newly-released report, entitled ‘The Isle of Man Approach to Telecommunications
Regulation and Spectrum Awards’ is to form the basis of the new communications
regulation.
A complementary report to be published at a later date will assess the opportunities in the
audio-visual market, and assess ways the island’s regulatory framework
can be geared to facilitate growth into these areas.
LAWANDTAX-NEWS.COM
