FINES of up to £10,000 per day for network failures can now be imposed on telecommunications providers by the Economic Development Minister.
Deputy Kirsten Morel successfully amended legislation in a bid to “safeguard Jersey’s critical infrastructure”.
The new telecoms security framework, which aims to improve digital security and reliability in response to evolving cyber threats, also gives the government and regulators new powers to supervise telecom providers.
Politicians backed Deputy Morel’s amendment at the latest States sitting.
Addressing Assembly Members, Deputy Morel said: “Jersey is rightly proud of the connectivity provided by our telecoms networks and services.
“Indeed, the strength of our economy and our excellent reputation as an international financial services centre, as well as the centre of innovation, is based not only on our laws and high standards but also on the Island’s secure high-speed digital connectivity.”
The new legislation grants the minister powers to impose penalties of up to 10% of a telecoms provider’s turnover or £10,000 per day for ongoing violations that contravene their legal duties.
The law change follows several incidents over the past five years in which network failures have left Islanders unable to call 999.
Having amended the law, the minister is now able to designate certain vendors as “high-risk” and place restrictions on telecom providers’ use of their equipment.
The Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority, which already has the power to fine providers, will receive additional oversight capabilities and £250,000 in annual funding to support its new responsibilities. The Royal Court has the power to impose unlimited fines for breaches.
Deputy Morel argued that the costs involved were justified to prevent potential compromises to Jersey’s networks and critical infrastructure.
He added: “It is our belief that the costs of maintaining and securing our connectivity will be less than the costs Jersey, Islanders and businesses would otherwise face should our networks and services become compromised, data be stolen or our national critical infrastructure cease to work.”
The framework will be implemented “gradually”, according to the proposition, and follows a consultation process with providers including Airtel-Vodafone, JT and Sure.
