Communications Commission
Overview
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total FOI requests | 29 |
| Date range | 2019-06-24 to 2026-01-16 |
| Full disclosure rate | 31.0% (9/29) |
| Partial disclosure | 2 |
| Fully refused/exempt | 1 |
Outcome Breakdown
| Outcome | Count | % |
|---|---|---|
| Information not held | 14 | 48.3% |
| All information sent | 9 | 31.0% |
| Some information sent but not all held | 2 | 6.9% |
| Request lapsed - requested information not provided | 2 | 6.9% |
| Not upheld | 1 | 3.4% |
| No information sent - all held but exempt | 1 | 3.4% |
Requests by Year
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top Topics
- Utilities & Infrastructure (8 requests)
- Government & Administration (6 requests)
- Planning & Housing (5 requests)
- Transport & Roads (5 requests)
- Healthcare & Public Health (1 requests)
Notable Cases (5)
[+] Manx.net email accounts
2026-01-16 | All information sent
The request sought details on complaints regarding Manx.net email accounts, specifically focusing on the period following the October 2025 announcement of changes and the Junara payment option. The Communications and Utilities Regulatory Authority disclosed 19 total complaints received since January 2025, with 18 occurring after October 2025, and provided a summary of the nature of each concern.
- The Authority received 19 consumer complaints regarding Manx.net email service since 1st January 2025.
- 18 of the 19 complaints were made between 21st October 2025 and 16th January 2026.
- Complaints primarily concerned charges to retain accounts, short notice of changes, lack of migration guidance, and scams.
Data: 19, 18, 1st January 2025, 21st October 2025, 16th January 2026
[+] Manx Gas - retail margin percentage
2022-03-29 | All information sent
The request sought details on the retail margin percentage set by CURA for Manx Gas, including calculation methods, benchmarking parameters, and correspondence regarding potential windfalls. The authority responded by disclosing the margin rate and directing the requester to publicly available consultation documents that detail the methodology and considered parameters.
- CURA set the retail margin percentage for Manx Gas at 2.1% for a 5-year regulatory period.
- The authority conducted a benchmarking exercise to determine the appropriate margin.
- Key documents referenced include the August 2021 Consultation and the March 2022 Consultation Response.
Data: 2.1%, 5 years, 2022/23, 29 March 2022, 29 April 2022
[~] In relation to the Sure 5G trial
2020-07-16 | 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.
- Ofcom, the UK regulator, is responsible for licensing radio spectrum in the Isle of Man in consultation with the Communications Commission.
- Sure was issued a 'Test & Trail Licence' on a service and technology neutral basis.
- The licensing framework operates under the UK Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006, extended to the Isle of Man by Statutory Instrument.
Data: 2020-07-16, 2020-08-07, 20th November, 15th November, 19th November
[-] IOM Government Tender - ConnectMann - Internet Connectivity -
2020-03-10 | No information sent - all held but exempt
A request was made for all bid responses regarding the ConnectMann Internet Connectivity Lot 2 tender, but the Communications Commission refused to disclose any information citing commercial interests and security concerns.
- The request concerned tender responses for IOMG Tender ConnectMann - Internet Connectivity Lot 2 (Ref: CABO.626).
- The Communications Commission withheld all information under Section 30(2)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.
- Disclosure was deemed likely to prejudice commercial interests and threaten government network security.
Data: 1224182, 2020-03-10, 2020-04-21, CABO.626, Section 30(2)(b)
Exemptions: Section 30(2)(b) - Prejudice to commercial interests
[~] Sure's 5G trial in Douglas re: frequencies, spectrum and equipment
2019-12-17 | 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.
- The Communications Commission does not hold information regarding Sure's specific 5G trial equipment, power output, or location details.
- Spectrum licences for the Isle of Man are issued by the UK regulator Ofcom with the approval of the Commission.
- No spectrum assignments to date are specifically for 5G applications, as licensing is service and technology neutral.
Data: 15 November 2019, 17 December 2019, 23 December 2019, 700Mhz, 4Ghz
Exemptions: Information not held by the public authority; Technical issues relating to equipment are outside the Commission's scope; Sure is a private company not subject to Freedom of Information
Most Cited Exemptions
| Exemption | Times Cited |
|---|---|
| Information not held | 7 |
| Cannot find information after taking reasonable steps | 1 |
| Outside scope of authority (spectrum issued by Ofcom) | 1 |
| Information not held by the public authority | 1 |
| Technical issues relating to equipment are outside the Commission's scope | 1 |
| Sure is a private company not subject to Freedom of Information | 1 |
| Information not held by the authority | 1 |
| Section 30(2)(b) - Prejudice to commercial interests | 1 |
| Private companies not subject to the Freedom of Information Act | 1 |
| Section 11(3)a of the Act (Information not held) | 1 |