Sure launches 5G trial in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Sure has begun trialling 5G mobile technology in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

Sure has invited hundreds of customers to take part in the innovative trial to assess 5G technology for free in order to evaluate how it can benefit the lives of islanders and local businesses.

The local telecoms provider will be trialling the technology across several locations in the islands to assess how customers will use the transformational technology.

Eligible consumers and businesses have been contacted directly with details of the trial and those who choose to participate will be given a free 5G router in their home or business. They will be asked to provide feedback on their experience via a series of online surveys to help understand the value of 5G for consumers and businesses and to test the feasibility of providing enhanced broadband services via 5G in the island.

5G is the transformational next generation of mobile technology providing much faster data speeds, greater network capacity. improved connections, better coverage and lower latency. Sure believes that 5G’s potential is best described as ‘fibre in the air’ as 5G will look to replicate the speeds and reliability of fibre broadband without the need for cables.

The leap from today’s fixed and mobile technology is significant; 5G is 20-40 times faster than the broadband most people currently use at home and work. The additional capacity available with 5G will enable the connection of the rapidly increasing number of digital devices used in the home, on the move and at work.

“5G is the future which offers the opportunity to connect communities in ways we’ve never seen before so we’re excited to be launching this comprehensive trial to assess the different ways consumers and businesses will want to use this ground breaking technology”, said Ian Kelly, CEO of Sure.

“At Sure customers are at the heart of everything we do. We want 5G to benefit everyone so it’s very important for us that the local community can trial this latest technology and give feedback on their experience so we can develop a network that is truly impactful and beneficial to their daily lives.

“We want to launch a considered, ubiquitous 5G network aligned with local Governments’ telecoms strategies. Sure intends to work closely with Government and local regulators to bring the most relevant solution to the islands to support innovation in our island economies in an increasingly digital future.”

Senator Farnham, Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture at the States of Jersey said: “I welcome the news that Sure is to start testing 5G mobile phone services in St Helier. 5G, together with the island’s existing full-fibre network, will play an important part in delivering the high-quality telecoms infrastructure that our digital services and related industries vitally need to help them achieve productivity-led growth.”

The States of Guernsey Committee for Economic Development’s lead for Digital, Vice-President Deputy Andrea Dudley Owen commented: “It remains the Committee’s firm view that Guernsey’s digital connectivity needs to be of the highest standard in order to deliver the required benefits to Guernsey’s economy and community. Development of next generation mobile connectivity is a key part of that and it is therefore very positive progress to see 5G trials begin in the island. The trials will be an opportunity to gain first-hand local experience of the new technology before a wider roll-out is commenced.”

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