Isle of Man Government Crest

Government

Index of Departments

Communications Commission

The Communications Commission is a Statutory Board of the Isle of Man Government and has responsibility for the licensing and regulation of telecommunications and broadcasting on the Isle of Man.

Latest News

Contact Details

Communications Commission
Address:
Salisbury House
Victoria Street
Douglas
Post Code: IM1 2LW
Telephone:01624 677022
Fax:01624 626499
DirectorDr C McLaughlin
Email Address: carmel.mclaughlin@cc.gov.im
Office ManagerMrs M L J King
Email Address: margaret.king@cc.gov.im
Licensing & Compliance OfficerMr T Brew
Email Address: tom.brew@cc.gov.im

Telecommunications

The Communications Commission exercises its functions under the Telecommunications Act 1984 (of Tynwald) in the manner which it considers is best calculated to promote the interests of consumers, purchasers and other users of telecommunications services in the Island.

The Commission monitors legislation introduced in the United Kingdom and Europe to ensure that the Isle of Man remains at the forefront of developments in telecommunications. It also keeps a close eye on changes in telecommunications regulation and supply in the British Islands, particularly watching progress in pricing strategies and competition.

The Island is part of the UK Telephone Numbering Scheme, so it is important to coordinate with the United Kingdom Office of Communications (Ofcom) on this and associated issues.

Broadcasting

Under the Broadcasting Act 1993 and the Broadcasting (Amendment) Act 2007 (of Tynwald), the Commission licenses and regulates programme services provided from the Isle of Man. The Commission keeps under review the reception, quality and content of programme services provided both from the Island and from elsewhere.

Together with those statutory duties, the Commission has responsibility for furthering the interests of the Isle of Man in the whole broadcasting arena. The Island became the first jurisdiction in the British Isles to switch over completely from analogue to digital terrestrial television on 16th July 2009. Following switchover, the Island became part of the Granada ITV Region.

On Island transmitters switched to digital between 18 June and 16 July 2009, but switchover dates are different for viewers watching terrestrial television from off-island transmitters. See www.digitaluk.co.uk for further information.

The national public service radio station on the Island is Manx Radio, broadcasting on both medium wave and VHF. Funded by advertising and sponsorship, it has additional support from an Isle of Man Government grant. A proportion of its output is in the Manx Gaelic language. Two fully commercial music services, EnergyFM and 3FM, also broadcast across the Island.

Radio Communications

The Office of Communications (Ofcom) licenses and regulates the use of radio spectrum in the Island under the Wireless Telegraphy Acts (of Parliament). These are extended to the Isle of Man, with Tynwald’s consent, by Order in Council. Ofcom works in consultation with the Commission, taking into account Isle of Man Government policies.

Ofcom is also responsible for resolving interference issues. In addition, it represents the Isle of Man at the International Telecommunications Union when negotiating for the allocation of frequencies.

The Communications Commission works with both Ofcom and the British National Space Centre when authorising space sector activities on the Isle of Man, such as geo-stationary satellite telemetry, tracking and control under international treaties. The Commission licenses the commercial site sharing of transmitter mast facilities on the Island for both the public and the private sectors.

Downloadable Documents
Acrobat PDF FileTV and Radio Services (195 kb)
Format:Acrobat PDF File
Information Sheet: TV and Radio Services
Acrobat PDF FileDecision Notice Manx Telecom Investigation Statement of Closure (172 kb)
Format:Acrobat PDF File
Statement of closure of investigation into a complaint alleging breach of licence conditions by Manx Telecom
Microsoft WordAppendix 1: Response to Consultation Form (36 kb)
Format:Microsoft Word
Acrobat PDF FileConsultation Paper on Proposals for a New Framework for Communications Regulation (394 kb)
Format:Acrobat PDF File
Acrobat PDF FileA new framework for communications regulation on the Isle of Man (767 kb)
Format:Acrobat PDF File
Report
Acrobat PDF FileProvision of Broadband and Private Circuits – Isle of Man (932 kb)
Format:Acrobat PDF File
Acrobat PDF FileCommunications Commission Service Delivery Plan 2009 (2719 kb)
Format:Acrobat PDF File
Acrobat PDF FileCommunications Commission Response to Ofcom PSB 4 December 2008 (106 kb)
Format:Acrobat PDF File
Acrobat PDF FileCommunications Commission - Service Delivery Plan 2008 (951 kb)
Format:Acrobat PDF File
Communications Commission - Service Delivery Plan 2008
Microsoft WordITV Consultation - Press Release 10102008 (52 kb)
Format:Microsoft Word
Acrobat PDF FileITV - Consultative Document - 10102008 (470 kb)
Format:Acrobat PDF File
Microsoft WordITV - ANNEX Response to ITV consultation form 10102008 (34 kb)
Format:Microsoft Word
Acrobat PDF FileIsle of Man opts for Granada (163 kb)
Format:Acrobat PDF File

You will need Adobe Acrobat to download documents that are PDFs, this is available free by following this link:Download Adobe Acrobat