Sure to revolutionise mobile digital connectivity with Airtel-Vodafone acquisition

Sure has reached an agreement with Bharti Global Limited for Sure to acquire 100% of Airtel-Vodafone in the Channel Islands. The merger will trigger significant investment in the islands’ mobile networks with customers benefiting from faster data speeds, wider coverage, better value for money and a more resilient and secure mobile network.  

Up to £48m will be invested in a new, innovative mobile network which will include 5G services. 5G will be delivered in Guernsey and Jersey on an accelerated programme that will provide high-speed gigabit mobile technology to the islands. 

Alistair Beak, Sure’s Group CEO, welcomed the merger as good news for customers and the Channel Islands:  

"This merger will result in significant investment being made in the Channel Islands’ digital infrastructure at a time when demand for connectivity has never been greater,” he said. “Putting customers first, it will create brand-new future-proofed mobile networks which will improve coverage, value and reliability, and provide gigabit speeds to support enhanced connectivity.” 

Sure plans to integrate the Airtel-Vodafone team into the new merged business, bringing together a wealth of skills and experience and providing new career and growth opportunities through Sure's extensive training and development program.   

Alistair said: “With their broad range of skills and experience we look forward to welcoming the Airtel-Vodafone team to the Sure family.  This will be a fantastic opportunity for us all to build a mobile network of the highest quality. 

“We are prepared to make a number of promises to ensure Guernsey customers get the best combined value of Sure and Airtel-Vodafone, as well as, promising to improve the quality of network service and reliability.”  

The promises are:

• Improved service: The latest 5G mobile technology will improve coverage and download speeds in a new single network. It will complement the cutting-edge fibre network, bringing gigabit speeds everywhere and acting as a key enabler for the digital economy. 
  
• Great value: For all existing and new customers, Sure will continue to offer market leading Unlimited Data plans. Airtel-Vodafone customers will also be able to benefit from Sure’s Big Bundle in the future, saving up to £246 per year in Guernsey and up to £275 per year in Jersey. Sure will continue to offer Airtel-Vodafone’s Basic plan which is currently the lowest priced plan available in the market. 
  
  
• Reliability: The new network will be highly secure, using the most trusted technology, which will achieve full compliance with High-Risk Vendor (HRV) regulations ahead of schedule. The new network will also be built to high standards of resiliency and be better for the environment – with around one third fewer masts and a lower carbon footprint.  

The proposed merger is subject to regulatory approval in both Guernsey and Jersey.