The Communications and Utilities Regulatory Authority has launched a consultation on updating the Universal Service Obligation for telecoms on the island.
Proposed changes would shift the focus from providing telephone services to ensuring all properties have access to a physical connection point for electronic communications.
Currently, Manx Telecom is required to offer telephony services to customers who lack access, but CURA argues this is outdated due to advancements in fibre and VoIP technologies.
“The telecoms market has changed significantly in recent years,” the consultation states, proposing a “Service and Technology Neutral” approach to future proof the USO.
Funding
The Authority also outlined funding options, favouring a market-funded model where costs are shared across all connections.
CURA emphasised the importance of consumer access, stating: “The intention is to amend [the USO] so that Manx Telecom is obliged to provide the means to access telephony and electronic communication services on request to any property.”
Responses to the consultation are invited by September 9. For details, contact CURA at enquiries@cura.im or visit www.cura.im.
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