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CICRA is working to secure the long term interests of consumers and sustainable competition, while taking a more flexible approach as the island deals with the corona virus crisis.
While the Channel Islands Competition & Regulatory Authority is urging companies to stick to regulatory obligations, it understands that the pandemic may get in the way.
"These are challenging times for the Channel Islands and keeping communications going within the island and connectivity to the islands has never been more important for an island society," a spokesperson for the authority said. "The areas that CICRA regulates will play a vital role in supporting families, businesses and individuals as we all adapt the way we live, work and communicate in the wake of the coronavirus.
"For CICRA, the priority through the coming months is to maintain support for consumers and businesses through the powers and functions assigned to us. We recognise that the challenges of the coronavirus are considerable with potentially far reaching and long term consequences for consumers as well as smaller businesses who are often a significant source of competition and choice.
Pictured top: Director of CICRA, Tim Ringsdore.
"Given this, greater priority will be given to those aspects of our work programme that best secure the long-term interests of consumers and sustainable competition. We will however be more flexible in our approach, sensitive to the demands placed on businesses at this time."
Those who are directly affected by the changes to CICRA's approach will be contacted, for example if consultations are suspended or deadlines extended.
"Our approach to enforcement will be pragmatic during this time," the spokesperson continued. "Compliance with regulatory obligations continues to be important. However, we recognise that the impact of the coronavirus means that it will not always be possible to meet these obligations. In such circumstances, industry should take decisions that support critical services, vulnerable people and those who are relying on communications services.
'We will support those decisions where they are in the interests of consumers and businesses."
The authority has also moved to address concerns that competition law enforcement could impeded necessary cooperation between businesses to deal with the current crisis.
Pictured: More than 1,000 people have been tested for covid-19 in Guernsey.
"Where agreements are not covered by legal relaxation, we can offer the following reassurance: CICRA has no intention of taking competition law enforcement action against cooperation between businesses or rationing of products to the extent that this is necessary to protect consumers - for example, by ensuring security of supplies.
"At the same time, this is not a license for businesses to exploit the crisis as a ‘cover' for non-essential collusion. This includes exchanging information on longer-term pricing or business strategies, where this is not necessary to meet the needs of the current situation."
CICRA is encouraging local businesses to continue working to support the community.
"Over the past few weeks, many companies have been coming together to support the Guernsey and Jersey public and the economy, to keep governments, homes and businesses connected and supplied," said the spokesperson.
"These initiatives are welcomed and we should all recognise that many people employed in these sectors have continued to work in challenging circumstances with children and family at home while they go out every day to ensure the islands continue to function.
"We extend our thanks and support to them as they work to keep the islands' communications going."
Pictured top: Director of CICRA, Tim Ringsdore.
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