Managing director Bob Lawrence said the 18 April deadline – dubbed ‘Value Day’ by Cable & Wireless – would not be met, but that this was not their fault.
He said several weeks of delay was caused by Cable & Wireless not getting their Health and Safety certificates sorted out.
C&W Jersey managing director David Smith has reported JT to the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority, after they were told they would not be able to share the network to unveil their commercial fixed-line service.
He says that the delay means businesses will miss out on cheaper calls.
‘We have asked the JCRA to intervene directly and swiftly,’ said Mr Smith.
‘We are immensely disappointed and frustrated at this delay and it is unacceptable that JT can behave in this monopolistic, anti-competitive manner.
We have been ready for months and there is no technical reason why the date of 18 April cannot be met.
‘Jersey customers are being denied attractive new services and we continue to lose money whilst JT frustrates our efforts to enter the market.
Our new services are exactly what this new era of competition is about – tangible benefits to consumers and businesses.
We stand ready to do anything we can to make up any lost time, so that customers don’t lose out.’ But Mr Lawrence rejects any responsibility for the delays.
He says Cable & Wireless did not get the necessary Health and Safety documents – required under by-laws – sorted out until last week.
‘I am not going to allow my staff to work on equipment that may be unsafe,’ said Mr Lawrence.
He says it is down to Cable & Wireless to have their equipment certified, and that they have not done so.
Mr Lawrence added that the situation was resolved last week, but that testing the two networks would go beyond the deadline, ruling out a launch on 4 April.
‘There is absolutely no fault of JT’s in this delay.
There is a requirement for equipment to be certified as safe.
As a director of this company I cannot expose my staff to anything that may be unsafe.’ Cable & Wireless say their new service, due to begin on 18 April, will save firms up to 50% on their phone bills, and that they will offer a residential service soon after.
