The 2017 Telephone Directory is launching in Jersey this week. It’s cover showcases both Jersey’s rich history and the investments that are being made into the Island’s future.

Coins featured on the directory cover were unearthed in 2012. Two local men discovered a treasure of 2,000-year-old compacted gold, silver and copper coins and jewellery in a field in Grouville. The hoard has since been disassembled and is now on display at La Hougue Bie.

At the same time as the discovery, JT launched its ‘Gigabit Jersey’ project. This replaced its long standing copper network with fibre-optic cables running directly to all homes and businesses in Jersey. Five years later, over 70% of properties now enjoy super-fast broadband. Provided by running down reliable and scalable fibre. The project is due to be completed in 2018.

Therefore, this illustrates a hugely significant development. A development that puts Jersey third in the world in terms of jurisdictions with households connected directly to fibre. JT has commissioned glass worker and Genuine Jersey Member Glyn Burton to create a symbolic piece of art from glass.  Glass is the main component of a fibre optic cable. The piece brings to life the opportunities which a ‘fibre future’ offers our island.

Valuable Posessions

His intricate work, overlaid on the cover with ancient coins from the hoard, demonstrates both the beauty and versatility of glass. It also represents the fibre future our island now enjoys. The images are represented by the headline: “Years on, and we still bury our most valuable possessions”.

JT Chief Executive Officer Graeme Millar said: “In terms of historical significance, connecting all homes and businesses directly to fibre is genuinely comparable to the discovery of the Coin Hoard. We wanted to make that link. In years to come, I have no doubt that this investment by JT and the States of Jersey will be one that brings the Island new opportunities and prosperity. It felt appropriate and meaningful to celebrate this future on the cover of the JT Directory. One which sits in homes and business across the island.”

JT would like to thank Mr Burton, the Genuine Jersey Products Association and Jersey Heritage for their help in the cover design.

2017 JT Directories will be delivered to all homes and businesses in Jersey. Copies will also available for collection at JT’s Queen Street store.

Hence, we feel it is our responsibility to take care of the disposal of our telephone directories. Therefore, please recycle 2016 directories at:

– The Co-operative Grand Marché, St Peter’s and St Helier

– Parish Halls

– The Household Reuse & Recycling Centre, La Collette

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS
Issued by Julien Morel at Direct Input. Telephone 01534 735253 or email julien@directinput.je for more information

Local filmmaker Callum Thorne has created a short video to tell this story:
https://youtu.be/TNMNa5QGJ4Q

Photograph credit: Callum Thorne http://www.callumthorne.com/