The Gibraltar Parliament last week passed the Communications (Amendment) Act 2024, amending the Communications Act 2006 to grant sole mobile telecom licensure to Gibtelecom, the government-owned provider. Presented by Minister Sir Joe Bossano, the bill was introduced as urgent to prevent last-minute applications. The government asserts this measure will stabilise Gibraltar’s small market, ensuring reliable service and supporting Gibtelecom’s ability to invest in technology.

The GFSB is concerned about Government’s approach to this legislative amendment and has written to Gibraltar’s Minister for Business expressing those concerns.

Why the controversy?

The bill has redefined Gibraltar’s telecommunications market, aiming to protect consumer interests and streamline the industry under one operator. The government argues the law stabilises Gibraltar’s small telecom market, with Minister Bossano noting that a single-operator model supports consumer protection and ensures Gibtelecom can invest confidently in tech upgrades. The approach follows examples in other small jurisdictions like Andorra and Monaco. However, the law has fierce critics, including opposition MPs and local telecoms provider GibFibre, who warn that restricting competition could limit innovation, inflate prices, and reduce consumer choice.

What has the Government said?

The government asserts this measure will stabilise Gibraltar’s small market, ensuring reliable service and supporting Gibtelecom’s ability to invest in technology. The government cites examples of other small jurisdictions with single providers to highlight the stability a monopoly can bring to small markets. By limiting competition, officials believe Gibtelecom will have a more secure base for long-term technological investment and development.

What does GibFibre say?

In a statement shared on X, local telecom provider GibFibre has expressed concerns that the amendment restricts competition and limits consumer choice in Gibraltar. Speaking with GBC, GibFibre’s Head of Operations, Julian Sheriff said becoming a mobile network operator was its main focus and that they had been taken by surprise by this new law. It argues that competition can enhance service quality and drive innovation. The company also questioned the urgency of the legislative process, suggesting it limits market diversity.

What now?

This legislative shift invites Gibraltar’s business and consumer sectors to consider the implications of a single-operator telecom market.

What are your views? 

Share your views with members of the GFSB community via the GFSB’s Online Membership platform. Its new ‘Community’ feature fosters connections and knowledge-sharing. Private groups allow sector-specific, secure discussions, supporting advocacy and member collaboration.