Watchdog sets out plans to regulate markets, monitor key sectors, and assess mergers and acquisitions
The Isle of Man's communications and utilities watchdog has published a draft competition strategy for 2025 to 2028 and is inviting public feedback.
The Communications and Utilities Regulatory Authority (CURA) assumed responsibility for enforcing competition law earlier this year, following changes approved by Tynwald in April.
The body is now consulting on how it will implement the Competition Act 2021, which updated the Island’s framework in line with UK and EU law.
The strategy sets out four main objectives: building a strong regulatory framework, monitoring key sectors such as energy, health and critical infrastructure, supporting pro-competition policy, and enforcing competition law effectively.
Investigations will focus on practices such as price fixing, abuse of dominance and unfair contract terms, with decisions made on the civil standard of proof.
CURA will also review mergers and acquisitions, assessing whether deals could reduce competition, harm consumers, or create market dominance.
Remedies could include blocking transactions or imposing conditions.
The regulator says it will prioritise cases that have the greatest impact on consumers and the wider economy, balancing resources against potential benefits.
It is seeking views on which industries should be considered ‘strategic priorities’ and on its overall approach.
Responses must be submitted by 3 October, with CURA emphasising that while the consultation is not a referendum, all evidence and reasoning provided will be considered before final decisions are made.
A link to the consultation document can be found here.
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