Other companies want to use C&W's phone network

The Office of Utility Regulation (OUR) wants C&W to reduce its interconnection and access service charges by between 15% and 20% from January.

OUR says its proposals would bring the Bailiwick in line with other countries where companies pay other telecoms firms to use their lines.

Cable and Wireless has said it is very disappointed at the instruction.

Downward trend

Investigations by OUR into C&W's charging policy for companies using the island telecoms network are ongoing.

But a study has already shown a clear downward trend in similar charges elsewhere, OUR said.

Regulatory Manager John Curren says the reduction in rates will stay until the review is complete.

He said: "The interconnection and access charges now being announced will be interim charges pending the finalisation of that review."

Cable and Wireless says it is very disappointed that it has been asked to bring in interim rates before the review is completed.