New policy outlines next generation of technology

Sasha Kazantseva-Miller said delivering the next generation digital infrastructure has been a 'strategic priority'

The committee for economic development has asked the States of Deliberation to agree to the development and implementation of new technology in Guernsey.

It said in a policy letter the neutral licensing framework would enable the future deployment of next generation mobile technology, including 5G in the Bailiwick.

The committee said it outlined guiding principles and objections for the Guernsey Competition and Regulatory Authority to consider when "modifying or issuing telecoms licences".

It said the "benefits" offered by 5G and successive technologies would enable the deployment of "new applications, services and products to drive the economy forward".

'Harness this potential'

The committee said: "The adoption of 5G technology, and others which may succeed it, is considered critical to keeping Guernsey's competitive edge from a digital perspective.

"Technology neutral spectrum licensing will help local telecoms operators to deploy 5G and successive technologies in line with market demand and by keeping pace with emerging technologies."

The economic development lead for digital, skills and entrepreneurship deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller said delivering the next generation digital infrastructure had been a "strategic priority" and a "key pillar" of the digital framework launched in 2021.

"The implementation of 5G technology will be a key milestone in that work and will complete a significant amount of investment and policy development into Guernsey's digital capability prioritised and delivered by the States of Guernsey this political term," she said.

"With PwC predicting that 5G will boost global GDP by over a trillion dollars in the next 10 years, the Bailiwick will be well placed to harness this potential."