Gibtelecom

Gibtelecom is a prominent telecommunications provider in Gibraltar, with historical roots dating back to 1886 when the first telephones were introduced to the territory. Initially managed by the City Council, the telephone service was transferred to the Government of Gibraltar following the approval of the 1969 Constitution. In 1988, a joint venture was established between British Telecom (BT) and the Government of Gibraltar, giving birth to Gibraltar Telecommunications International Ltd (Gibtel), which was responsible for international telecommunications services. In 1990, the Government of Gibraltar entered into another joint venture, this time with Nynex of the United States, and formed Gibraltar Nynex Communications Ltd (GNC). GNC took charge of fixed-line telephony and later introduced internet services through its subsidiary, GibConnect. In 2001, BT sold its stake in Gibtel to GNC, leading to the merger of the two companies and the formation of Gibtelecom. The company was initially a joint venture between the Government of Gibraltar and Verizon, Nynex's successor company. However, in 2007, Verizon sold its shares to Telekom Slovenije, a part-state owned telecommunications operator in Slovenia. In 2015, the Gibraltar Savings Bank acquired the 50% share of Gibtelecom owned by Telecom Slovenia, resulting in its full ownership of the company.