EMERGENCY changes to telecoms legislation approved last year have provided an opportunity for Jersey’s competition watchdog to “look more widely” at the existing rules governing the use of phone numbers in the Island.
The Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority yesterday launched a consultation regarding new conditions for how local telecoms providers use phone numbers.
The JCRA has stated that the call for information forms part of a wider review of the numbering system, aiming to “bring Jersey closer to the UK’s approach” and “strengthen safeguards that help protect Islanders from call scams”.
It follows amendments to the Telecommunications (Jersey) Law 2002 approved in October, confirming the legal powers of UK telecoms regulator OFCOM to allocate, manage and withdraw phone numbers in Jersey.
The emergency legislation was brought forward by Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel, after OFCOM discovered that there was “no legal basis” for its practice of allocating numbers in Jersey or the other Crown Dependencies.
Announcing its consultation, the JCRA noted that the changes “formalised long-standing arrangements” under which Jersey numbers form part of the UK’s national numbering scheme.
It explained that access to the numbering scheme is controlled by OFCOM’s National Telephone Numbering Plan, which establishes conditions for telecoms providers on the use of certain number ranges – including freephone, premium rate and helplines.
“The JCRA’s call for information is seeking views on whether these conditions should apply in Jersey or whether there is a justifiable reason to exempt some,” the regulator continued.
“The legal change also presents an opportunity for the JCRA to look more widely at the existing framework of rules governing the use of numbers in the Island.”
Subsequent phases of the review could see the development of a memorandum of understanding with OFCOM as well as potential updates to licence conditions.
Those who wish to contribute to the JCRA consultation, which is open until 10 July, can find out how to respond to the call for information via the regulator’s website.
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