Complaint against government owned firms for claims of 'anti-competitive' behaviour

CURA launches investigation into Manx Utilities subsidiaries

A complaint has been lodged against two companies owned by Manx Utilities for allegations of anti-competitive behaviour.

The Communications and Utilities Regulatory Authority has published an information notice in respect of e-llan Communications Limited and Manx Cable Company Limited.

Both are subsidiaries of Manx Utilities, a statutory board of the Isle of Man Government.

E-llan Communications Limited provides telecommunications services to internet businesses and internet service providers on a wholesale basis.

Manx Cable Company Limited, meanwhile, is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the electrical interconnector subsea cable between the Isle of Man and the UK. 

The complaint comes from Bluewave Communications Limited.

According to CURA, Bluewave alleges that e-llan and the Manx Cable Company may be engaging in a Refusal to Supply by restricting access to the subsea fibre optic communications cable.

CURA says it will investigate the claims made in the complaint, but adds it is 'important to point out that at this stage it is not possible to come to any preliminary determinations'.

The Undertakings (e-llan and Manx Cable Company) have been advised of the complaint and the pending investigation.

In a statement to Manx Radio, Manx Utilities says: 'e-llan Communications Limited (eCL) and Manx Cable Company Limited (MCC), subsidiary companies of Manx Utilities, are cooperating with an investigation by the Communications & Utilities Regulatory Authority (CURA) regarding an allegation of anti-competitive behaviour. 

'eCL is licenced by CURA and has operated in the wholesale telecommunications market on the Isle of Man since 2007.  MCC is not a licenced telecommunications operator but owns the interconnector assets related to this inquiry.

'The investigation is part of CURA’s designated oversight activities, and both companies are fully committed to transparency and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.  Both companies welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter with CURA to ensure that all relevant information is provided in a timely manner.

'eCL and MCC are confident that in fully cooperating with the investigation, they will demonstrate that they are compliant with the relevant laws and regulations and that the complaint is without merit.

'eCL and MCC remain dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, corporate governance, and accountability.'