The Regulator argues that instructing a reduction by 31% will save the average customer £116 per year.  

“Sure’s charges to retailers of broadband for using its network are a large proportion of the final price we end up paying for our broadband at home,” said the CEO of the GCRA, Michael Byrne. 

“While a business should get a fair return for its investment, there is always a risk that monopolies with a free hand to set their prices put needless pressure on the cost of living for households by charging excessive prices.   

“In the Guernsey telecoms sector an independent regulator is in place to safeguard against that. Even allowing for a generous profit margin our review clearly demonstrated the levels of profits Sure was seeking to make from charging its competitors for retailing broadband was far too high.” 

The Regulator is also asking that Sure reduce its leased line prices by 23%. 

“The decision ensures that Sure's charges are based on the reasonable costs of providing leased lines to retailers including the ability to earn a reasonable return on its investments.” 

Speaking specifically on wholesale broadband, the Group CEO of Sure said the GCRA hadn’t taken into account the company’s fibre roll out. 

“Sure is approaching the halfway point of the fibre roll out, a £25m investment that is future proofing Guernsey by giving customers faster speeds and a more reliable service,” said Alistair Beak. 

“Value for money is a key part of the roll out, as no connection charges and no increases in monthly costs make it completely free to upgrade. Only in November Sure increased speeds meaning that customers can now get up to 2Gbps, connectivity that is far faster than in similar sized countries. 

“The GCRA’s decision does not include any impact analysis on the fibre roll out – meaning little consideration has been given to our ability to deliver on the plan, in partnership with the States of Guernsey, to reach all of Guernsey by the end of 2026. The GCRA decision also means that Sure has no incentive to improve broadband services in the future. 

“Sure will continue to challenge the GCRA's decision to ensure that both value for money and high-quality fibre services can be delivered in Guernsey in a sustainable way, for the long term.”