Communications Commission
14 FOI requests | Full disclosure rate: 64.3%
The Freedom of Information requests to the Isle of Man Communications Commission reveal an authority defined more by what it does not hold than by what it discloses. A dominant theme across the dataset is the '5G Regulatory Black Hole,' where the Commission consistently deflects requests for technical safety data, mast locations, and equipment details (Cases 1104361, 1369037, 2048534). By rigidly categorizing itself as an 'economic regulator' rather than a technical standards body, the Commission effectively outsources accountability to the UK's Ofcom or private operators, leaving the public without localized data on critical infrastructure. This pattern of deflection extends to insurance liabilities and government funding, creating a fragmented picture of oversight where no single entity appears to possess the full scope of information.
Key Cases
Case 1224182 — This case represents the most significant obstruction of transparency, where the Commission withheld ALL information regarding the 'ConnectMann' government tender, citing commercial and security exemptions. It highlights a potential lack of public oversight on major government spending and infrastructure contracts.
Case 5234234 — A rare instance of high transparency regarding consumer rights. The Commission disclosed specific complaint statistics (19 total, 18 post-October 2025) regarding Manx.net email changes, providing concrete data on public dissatisfaction with a major local service provider.
Case 1371737 — This case is pivotal in understanding the 5G regulatory framework, revealing that the Sure 5G trial operates under a UK 'Test & Trial Licence' issued by Ofcom. It exposes the reliance on foreign regulatory bodies for local technology deployment.
Case 2357926 — Demonstrates the Commission's willingness to disclose sensitive economic data when it involves utility regulation. The release of Manx Gas retail margin percentages and calculation methodologies offers a clear window into how utility pricing is controlled.
Case 2620412 — A meta-case about transparency itself. The Commission admitted to a system error that caused a previous FOI response to be missing from the public log and corrected it, showing a mechanism for self-correction regarding its own disclosure obligations.
Related FOI Stories
The 5G Regulatory Black Hole — #1104361, #1104461, #1369037, #1370738, #1371438
Commercial Secrecy vs. Public Interest — #1224182, #1104461, #2357926, #5234234
Jurisdictional Ambiguity and Deflection — #1358241, #1358441, #1371438, #2085011, #2077745
Infrastructure Data Gaps — #1351741, #2048534, #2234041, #5151501
| Date | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-12-09 | telegraraph poles | Information not held |
| The requester asked for the number of new telegraph poles erected for fiber installation in the last two years, but the Communications Commission stated it does not hold this specific data. The authority provided general statistics on total existing poles and future requirements, directing the requester to planning records or the service provider for specific installation details. | ||
| 2024-02-27 | smart meters | Information not held |
| 2022-02-02 | Location of 5G Boosters and Towers | Information not held |
| A request was made for the locations and types of all 5G towers and signal boosters on the Isle of Man, but the Communications Commission responded that they do not hold this information. | ||
| 2021-11-11 | IOM GOV funding Manx Media | Information not held |
| A request was made for data on IOM government funding to Manx media institutions between 2010 and 2021, specifically regarding support for government plans or coronavirus efforts. The Communications Commission responded that the information is not held by them and suggested the requester contact the Cabinet Office instead. | ||
| 2021-11-09 | decommissioned nuclear bunker undersea cables | Information not held |
| The requester asked for information regarding decommissioned undersea cables between nuclear bunker sites, specifically a declassified UK Ministry of Defence cable from the Lake District to Northern Ireland. The Communications Commission responded that they do not hold the requested information and therefore could not disclose it. | ||
| 2021-10-21 | How many 5G masts | Information not held |
| A request was made to the Communications Commission for the number and location of 5G masts on the Isle of Man and along Douglas Promenade. The authority responded that it does not hold this information as it is an economic regulator rather than a technical standards body, and the data resides with private operators not subject to FOI. | ||
| 2020-07-16 | Which entity will be making a decision about 5G and when? | Information not held |
| A request was made to the Communications Commission to identify which entity would decide on 5G implementation and when that decision would occur. The Commission responded that it does not hold this information because it is an economic regulator, not a policy-maker, and that telecommunications policy is set by the Council of Ministers. | ||
| 2020-07-16 | Proof of safety of 5G equipment | Information not held |
| The requester asked for evidence of CE mark certification and liability insurance for 5G equipment used in a trial by Sure to ensure public safety. The Communications Commission responded that it does not hold this information because it is an economic regulator, not a technical standards body, and does not manage government insurance details. | ||
| 2020-07-16 | In relation to the Sure 5G trial | Information not held |
| A request was made to the Communications Commission for details regarding the location, monitoring, and equipment of Sure's 5G trial on the Isle of Man. The Commission responded that it does not hold the requested information as it acts as an economic regulator rather than a technical standards regulator. | ||
| 2020-07-15 | Will the Government be banning Huawei kit in line with the UK? | Information not held |
| A request was made to the Communications Commission regarding the installation of Huawei 5G equipment and potential bans aligned with UK policy. The Commission responded that it does not hold the requested information as it is an economic regulator, not a technical standards body, and policy is set by the Council of Ministers. | ||
| 2020-07-08 | Public liability insurance re RF-EMF radiation. | Information not held |
| The requester asked the Communications Commission to confirm if the Isle of Man Government holds insurance covering injury claims from RF-EMF radiation caused by telecommunications networks. The Commission responded that it does not hold this information as it does not manage government insurance, suggesting the Treasury be contacted instead. | ||
| 2020-07-01 | Digital map of telecoms assets and networks ownership | Information not held |
| A request was made for a digital map of telecoms assets and network ownership as recommended in a 2017 report. The Communications Commission responded that the information is not held because the task was not assigned to them. | ||
| 2019-12-17 | Re FOI 1050263 refer to Communications Commission re 5G spectrum | Information not held |
| A request for information regarding 5G spectrum testing, public notification, and opt-out provisions on the Isle of Man was directed to the Communications Commission. The Commission responded that it does not hold the requested information because spectrum licenses are issued by the UK regulator Ofcom and are technology neutral. | ||
| 2019-06-24 | CCTV | Information not held |