'World class' telecoms promise as deal completed

The deal removes Airtel Vodafone as a competitor to Sure and JT in the islands

Telecoms firm Sure has announced that it has completed its purchase of rival Airtel Vodafone in the Channel Islands.

It comes after the States of Guernsey agreed to suspend competition law to allow Sure to buy rival Airtel Vodafone.

Sure said the deal was "signalling an investment of £48m in building a new world-class 5G mobile network".

Sure Group chief executive Alistair Beak promised "significant improvements" to "connectivity, speeds and coverage, as well as value for money through innovative products and services".

He said Sure would be "working together" with Airtel Vodafone "and leveraging their skills and experience to provide our customers with exceptional service".

He said Airtel customers could continue on their existing plans for up to three years.

There would be no immediate change for either Airtel Vodafone or Sure customers "as the two companies will continue to operate separately", he added.