Gibraltar Regulatory Authority

Gibraltar Regulatory Authority
Abbreviation GRA
Formation October 2000 (2000-10)
Type Statutory body
Purpose Regulating electronic communications, data protection (and previously gambling)
Location
Website www.gra.gi

The Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA) was established by the Gibraltar Regulatory Act in October 2000. The GRA is the statutory body in Gibraltar responsible for regulating electronic communications. This includes telecommunications, radio communications and broadcasting transmissions. The GRA serves as both the national supervisory and regulatory authority for these sectors. The supervision and regulation of these sectors is done in accordance with EU law that has been rendered into national law.[1]

Since inception the GRA has seen its responsibilities extended to data protection and, for a time, gambling.

Electronic Communication

The GRA attempts to enhance competition in the communications sector by regulating network access to develop effective choice for business and residential consumers alike and by helping the facilitate entry to the communications market through authorisations and licences.[1]

The GRA policy is designed to make Gibraltar recognizable as a world-class telecommunications centre to do business. As well as ensuring that Gibraltar has a high quality telecommunications service that offers consumers a better deal by providing high performance and standards, as well as competitive prices.[1]

The Communications remit of the GRA includes: traditional telephone wire, dial up and ADSL internet, mobile operators providing voice and data services, VOIP services, television and radio, radio communications including fixed wireless services, and licensing frameworks for satellite services.[1]

Data Protection

The Gibraltar Government nominated the GRA as the Supervisory Authority for the enforcement of the Data Protection Act 2004. With the powers imbued upon the Data Protection Commissioner, the GRA has made assurances that a system is in place to monitior the executory function of the Data Protection Act. The GRA works closely with foreign regulatory authorities tasked with a similar role. The GRA also continuously develops a comprehensive online guide that is designed to encompass the wealth of information available about Data Protection.[2]

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Foreword from the Chief Executive Officer". GRA. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
  2. ↑ "Data Protection". GRA. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
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