About the Telecoms Strategy
The Telecoms Strategy is a major independent review which made several recommendations on the policy approach to the telecoms sector in Jersey over the coming years.
The report was authored by Oxera, an economics consultancy with expertise in telecoms and existing understanding of Jersey’s economy and institutional arrangements.
About the action plan
This action plan has been developed by the Digital Policy Unit within the Chief Minster’s Department, in line with the recommendations made in the Telecoms Strategy and through discussion with the report’s authors (Oxera), the regulator and a number of other Government Departments all of whom are specified in this action plan. This plan demonstrates a cross-Government approach with input and activity coordinated across Departments in order to achieve the best possible outcomes. The Digital Policy Unit will continue to support and coordinate the actions contained in this action plan, regardless of which Department or other organisations lead on delivery.
This action plan provides the specific details necessary to underpin the wider ambitions of this strategy: to be a fast adopter of next-generation network technology including 5G, to spread the benefits of fibre connectivity to Jersey residents, to secure the Island’s connections through an explicit resilience policy, to modernise the provision of telecoms-related specialised services such as the 999 call fielding service and to support the initiative to make Jersey a successful testbed for international companies to trial new technologies and products based on Jersey’s highly advanced digital infrastructure.
The actions are grouped under four headings in the body of this document:
- promoting the rollout of next-generation networks in Jersey
- maximising the benefits of the fibre network
- keeping the Island safe from threats to its connectivity
- transparent and clear policy and regulation
The actions are accompanied by designated policy leads and deadlines, where appropriate, which reflect their urgency and importance. Where actions do not require a deadline, but continued focus, this is reflected by the description “Ongoing”.
This document then includes a series of high-level KPIs. While most of the actions in this document will be measured against the corresponding deadlines, further KPIs are necessary to measure the wider objectives of the strategy to inform policymakers and Departments where further action may be required.
Promoting the rollout of next-generation networks in Jersey
The rollout of next-generation networks is critical for the future of Jersey’s telecoms provisions. This covers future mobile networks, such as 5G, and any potential network technologies that could be provided in Jersey to support the testbed initiative.
These networks will require sufficient spectrum allocation in coordination with Ofcom (the UK’s Office of Communications), development of the Testbed initiative under the leadership of Digital Jersey, and planning rules that support the rollout of physical infrastructure necessary for networks to function.
Specific details of the actions, policy leads and deadlines are provided below.
Ensure the required spectrum for network rollout and testing is available to support the rollout of new technologies
|
Actions
| Policy lead and deadline
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
Identify enablers for private enterprises to use Jersey as a test bed, consistent with the telecoms strategy objectives
|
Actions
| Policy lead and deadline
|
| |
| |
- Work with telecoms operators to investigate potential 5G trials using common infrastructure
| |
| |
Ensure planning and legislative barriers to building new mobile sites do not exceed reasonable environmental and health considerations
|
Actions
| Policy lead and deadline
|
| - Environment
Department; Q1 2018
|
- Review
the planning process for access to buildings, infrastructure and land to
determine whether existing rules are sufficiently transparent, timely, and effective
in supporting next-generation network rollout
| - Environment
Department; Q1 2018
|
| - Environment
Department; Q4 2018
|
Ensure that the costs of accessing buildings, infrastructure and land for telecoms network deployment are not a barrier to innovation
|
Actions
| Policy lead and deadline
|
| - Department
for Infrastructure; Q1 2018
|
- Put in place a policy, which ensures that building, infrastructure and land rental fees for telecoms sites incentivise network sharing and innovation
| - Department
for Infrastructure; Q3 2018
|
Maximising the benefits of the fibre network
Jersey’s fibre network has completed its initial rollout to the 34,000 homes included in the initial scope of the programme. Jersey Telecoms, the infrastructure provider, is now embarking on extending this fibre network to the remaining properties on the Island.
To enable everyone to reap the benefits of this high-speed, low-latency fibre network, the Planning Department will formulate supportive building by-laws and planning guidelines that ensure that fibre is included in all current and future homes and buildings.
The benefits of fibre must also be complemented by proportionate regulation so that all telecoms operators can offer retail services to customers that enable effective competition in the market, enabling as many residents as possible to access the service they require at efficient costs.
Specific details of the actions, policy leads and deadlines are provided below.
Ensure all new homes and businesses are connected to the fibre network
|
Actions
| Policy lead and deadline
|
| - Environment
Department; Q1 2018
|
| |
Ensure that JT supplies other operators with wholesale access to the fibre network, which allows access seekers to supply and compete on differentiated retail services.
|
Actions
| Policy lead and deadline |
- As
a priority, assess JT’s current fibre wholesale offer in light of policy
objectives to promote effective retail competition
|
|
- As
appropriate, direct JT to offer fibre wholesale products to allow for
differentiated retail services
| |
- Ensure
fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory access to backhaul for mobile sites for
all mobile providers
| |
- Ensure
that operational costs for the fibre network are efficient. Use reporting
requirements and other regulatory tools to enforce this as necessary
| |
Keeping the Island safe from threats to its connectivity
As an island jurisdiction, Jersey is reliant on links to nearby jurisdictions including Guernsey, the UK and France. This connectivity is provided by subsea cables that allow the transmission of data between Jersey and other parts of the world.
These connections are critical for Jersey’s current and future attractiveness as a jurisdiction for businesses to locate in. To protect this connectivity, the Government is introducing a resilience policy that will allows Government and operators in Jersey to monitor the capacity of these cables and plan for increases when appropriate.
Specialised services that rely on telecoms networks including the 999 call fielding service and TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) have the opportunity to be modernised through the provision of new technology. As these enabling technologies emerge and prove their suitability for Jersey’s needs, Government will modernise its provision of these services.
Specific details of the actions, policy leads and deadlines are provided below.
Ensure Government monitors the capacity and usage of off-Island links with a view to maintaining the Island’s resilience to any connectivity threats and/or failures
|
Actions
| Policy lead and deadline
|
- Introduce proportionate reporting requirements for operators on capacity and usage of off-Island links
| |
| - Digital Policy Unit; Q2 2018
|
Modernise provision of emergency services to incorporate new network technology after fit for purpose solutions have been identified and tested
| Actions
| Policy lead and deadline
| | | - Pursue
a procurement process for TETRA replacement in line with security and
technology requirements
| | - Engage
with authorities in Guernsey to find potential areas of cooperation
| |
|
Agree the policy requirements and delivery mechanism for the 999 call fielding service
|
Actions
| Policy lead and deadline
|
- Identify long-term requirements for a 999 call fielding service, with regard to training needs and service capabilities
| |
| |
Transparent and clear policy and regulation
This strategy and the actions contained in this document require a joined-up approach by Government, working with the regulator (CICRA), and other stakeholders. To provide further certainty to the market, the regulator will modernise the licensing framework to reflect the current needs of the Island since the current licences were introduced.
Finally, Government will ensure that all residents including those in vulnerable groups have access to telecoms services and benefit from the opportunities available online including the forthcoming proliferation of Government services online, through a targeted social policy that does not impede the competitive functioning of the market.
Specific details of the actions, policy leads and deadlines are provided below.
Coordinate policy and regulation that enables Government, CICRA and the industry to drive forward telecoms sector
|
Actions
| Policy lead and deadline
|
| |
- Publish strategic principles for telecoms regulation
| |
| |
- Review resource in Government to ensure ongoing access to telecoms expertise and resource to implement policy actions
| |
Modernise
the telecoms licensing framework
|
Actions
| Policy lead and deadline
|
- Update
the licencing regime and current licencing obligations for operators to support
the goals of the telecoms strategy
| |
Put in place a targeted, competitively neutral and transparent social policy that ensures the inclusion of vulnerable groups in telecoms and digital services. The existing service delivered by JT (Prime Talk) is not considered fit for purpose.
|
Actions
| Policy lead and deadline |
- Carry out quantitative research to identify barriers to accessing telecoms and digital services
| - DPU, Social Security and CICRA; Q3 2018
|
- Identify which telecoms and digital services are essential for Jersey residents, including identified groups at risk of digital exclusion, and therefore what connectivity requirements are appropriate
| |
- Agree a mechanism for delivering a social policy, based on the identified barriers, requirements and international best practice
| - Treasury, Social Security and DPU; Q4 2018
|
- Agree how the social policy should be funded, ensuring that the policy does not negatively impact market competition and is transparent
| - Treasury and DPU; Q4 2018
|
- Implement the new social policy, coinciding with the termination of Prime Talk
| - Treasury, Social Security and DPU; Q2 2019
|
Key Performance Indicators
Over the course of the implementation of this strategy, Government and the regulator will coordinate the collection of statistics that measure the overall health of the telecoms market in Jersey, focussed on the objectives laid out in the Strategy. These statistics will act as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this action plan and enable policy makers, industry and consumers to understand where there is still progress to be made.
These KPIs are designed to correspond to the principles of the strategy and follow international best practice as specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound .
Once all baselines have been set and industry has had a chance to contribute, a final series of targets will be agreed in 2018.
KPIs are not meant to be a static measure. KPIs will be reassessed and adapted so that these measurements give Government the best information to understand the different aspects of the market and the evolving demand for telecom services by residents, citizens and businesses based in Jersey.
Promoting the rollout of next-generation mobile networks in Jersey
A strong market in telecoms will allow near-universal coverage of next generation mobile networks that allow residents to use mobile data to access the services they want. Targets will therefore be set for future generations of mobile networks, including 5G, once the standards of the technology are clear. These will include as a minimum coverage targets of at least 95% with ongoing high adoption rates, as well as higher average download speeds and upload speeds.
Indicator
| Unit
| Current
|
Mobile: Mobile coverage of the Island (most recent generation of network rollout)
| As a % of total surface area
| 95%
|
Mobile speed: Average mobile download data speed
| Mb/s
| 29
|
Mobile speed: Average mobile upload data speed
| Mb/s
| 14
|
Mobile penetration: Mobile subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
| # of subscriptions
| 123
|
Maximising the benefits of the fibre network
The fibre rollout has reached completion of the initial phase of the project, with a complete premises passed network and over 34,000 connections to properties on the Island. In line with the ambition of the Government to complete a fibre-only network, the Digital Policy Unit is setting a target of 100% completion by 2020.
Retail competition for the home broadband market relies on differentiation on the basis of speeds, data caps and price. As CICRA assesses the wholesale market in 2018, it will agree an ambitious target for these indicators under the SMART criteria. This will support a wider take-up of home broadband subscriptions, to reach at least 40, consistent with strong growth in the home broadband market. In line with Government’s existing commitment to make available for a symmetric 1Gb/s service to those who wish to access this world-class service, Government will push for the availability of a symmetric 1 Gb/s.
Indicator
| Unit
| Current
| Target
|
Fibre: Properties in Jersey with a fibre connection
| As a % of total
| 70%
| By 2020: 100%
|
Range of retail broadband speeds: Range between highest and lowest speeds available
| Mb/s
| 1000-100 (down); 100-10 (up)
| Greater variety
|
Range of retails broadband data caps: Range between highest and lowest data caps available
| GB
| 10GB-Unlimited
| Similar variety
|
Range of retail broadband prices reflecting different offers: Range between highest and lowest prices available
| £ per month
| 59.99-18.99
| Similar variety
|
Home broadband penetration: Broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
| # of subscriptions
| 37.5
| By 2020: At least 40
|
Retail broadband speed: Highest download speed available on the market
| Advertised Mb/s
| 1000
| At least 1000
|
Retail broadband speed: Highest upload speed available on the market
| Advertised Mb/s
| 100
| By 2020: At least 1000
|
Keeping the Island safe from threats to its connectivity
As an Island jurisdiction, the Government of Jersey has a duty to maintain this resilience, while giving operators the information they need to plan future investments in upgrading these links. The target for future capacity of off-Island links will be set in agreement with the operators, taking into account the risks to Jersey of a loss of connectivity.
Indicator
| Unit
| Current
|
Resilience: Spare capacity of off-Island data cables
| As a % of total capacity
| Data to be collected
|
Maintaining transparent and clear policy and regulation
The delivery of a new social policy will require careful design, in order to set the level of telecoms service required by all residents, in order to access essential Internet services. Accordingly, Government will maintain a regular measure of those who are unable to access the internet regularly (as defined by the international standard) and take steps to encourage the availability and take-up of services that enable residents to access essential Internet services. A final target will be agreed by Q3 2018 once the current situation has been fully assessed.
Indicator
| Unit
| Current
|
Access to digital services: Jersey residents who access the Internet
| As a % of total
| 93%
|
International comparison
In order to give a sense of where Jersey sits among its counterparts, the Digital Policy Unit will be measuring the performance of the sector against that of similar jurisdictions, matching the selection used in the telecoms strategy.
We are choosing those indicators, for which there is reliable data on an international level and for which there is collection of relevant data in Jersey. The body responsible for collecting international telecommunications-related data is the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), which collects several datasets , three of which are relevant to this action plan: fixed broadband subscriptions, mobile subscriptions and access to the Internet. Tables are produced below showing Jersey’s position on these indicators relative to similar jurisdictions.
Mobile Subscriptions per 100 residents
| Home broadband subscriptions per 100 residents
| Regular internet users per 100 residents
|
Bahrain
| 216.9
| Monaco
| 48.2
| Bermuda
| 98.0
|
British Virgin Islands
| 198.6
| Bermuda
| 45.7
| Bahrain
| 98.0
|
Cayman Islands
| 157.7
| Cayman Islands
| 40.4
| Luxembourg
| 97.5
|
Luxembourg
| 147.8
| Malta
| 39.6
| Monaco
| 95.2
|
Singapore
| 146.9
| Isle of Man
| 39.6
| UK
| 94.8
|
Malta
| 124.8
| Guernsey
| 39.2
| Jersey
| 93.0
|
Jersey
| 123.0
| UK
| 39.2
| Singapore
| 81.0
|
UK
| 122.3
| Jersey
| 37.5
| Cayman Islands
| 79.0
|
Guernsey
| 114.0
| Luxembourg
| 36.7
| Malta
| 77.3
|
Isle of Man
| 109.0
| Singapore
| 25.4
|
| |
Monaco
| 86.3
| British Virgin Islands
| 23.1
| | |
Bermuda
| 57.9
| Bahrain
| 16.8
| |
|
Figures for all jurisdictions other than the Crown Dependencies come from the ITU. Figures for Jersey and Guernsey come from CICRA’s Telecommunications Market Report; Figures for the Isle of Man come from the Isle of Man Communications Commission.
gov.je