Communications Commission
2 FOI requests | Full disclosure rate: 450.0%
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-07-16 | In relation to the Sure 5G trial | Some information sent but not all held |
| The request sought clarification on the licensing, frequency usage, and planning permissions for Sure's 5G trial on the Isle of Man. The Communications Commission disclosed that Ofcom issued a technology-neutral Test & Trial Licence under UK legislation extended to the Island, though the response was cut off before addressing all specific questions regarding frequencies and planning breaches. | ||
| 2019-12-17 | Sure's 5G trial in Douglas re: frequencies, spectrum and equipment | Some information sent but not all held |
| A request was made for technical details regarding Sure's 5G trial in Douglas, including frequencies, equipment, and insurance. The Communications Commission disclosed that it does not hold most technical information as spectrum licensing is managed by Ofcom and equipment details are commercial matters for Sure. | ||