Double shortlisting in telecoms ‘Oscars’ for Jersey’s full-fibre network

Jersey’s full-fibre network has earned the Island a place on the shortlist of the 21st annual World Communication Awards.

The successful completion of JT’s Gigabit Jersey project has been shortlisted in both the ‘Best Network Transformation Initiative’ and the ‘Broadband Pioneer’ categories of the distinguished awards, which will be presented at a ceremony in London at the end of October. The shortlisting sees JT joins some of the biggest names in the telecoms industry across the world – including BT, TalkTalk and O2. This in itself is a significant tribute to the talented and diverse team at JT that have worked to deliver this project from the beginning.

The shortlisting recognises the commitment made by JT’s teams to the island to deliver a reliable, high speed full-fibre network which would benefit the entire community. It has already paved the way for new business start-ups, contributed to the growth of Jersey’s digital sector and supported expansion of the finance industry, as well as opened the door to new ways of learning in our schools and enabled householders to embrace smart technology in their homes.

Graeme Millar, JT’s CEO, said: “A year on from the completion of this landmark project we can begin to assess the longer-term benefit that full-fibre is having for Jersey. Many of the advantages of a full-fibre network are now a reality. The network has had a truly transformative effect on Jersey’s position as a world leader in connectivity and innovation.

“The success of Jersey’s full-fibre network is down to the hard work and dedication of all those who worked on the project over the years. Together, we have created a legacy for Jersey and contributed to the current and future success of our Island economy and generations to come, which we’re all very proud of.”

Amy Bryant, Deputy CEO, Jersey Finance said: “Jersey’s ability to harness technological innovations lies not just in its community of skilled professionals but also in its world class infrastructure and digital capability. Advances in the internet of things (IoT), blockchain, fintech, cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence depend on a fast and reliable connection and JT’s full-fibre network has provided that backbone to take them forward.”

Over 550 telecom companies, representing over 35 countries, are taking part in World Communications Awards 2019 and the winners of the 25 award categories will be announced at a ceremony in the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, London, on 30 October 2019.



National Coding Week Guernsey

Coding across the generations

Take a robotic ball, an adult, a child and a smartphone and you have the perfect recipe for an exciting coding workshop with a difference during the 2019 National Coding Week, sponsored by JT.

This year, JT is providing a FREE coding workshop for budding techno families, called ‘JT Generations Code Together’ at the Digital Greenhouse. This workshop is designed to bring adults and children together for a few hours to share their different skills and, in the process, learn how to programme an app-enabled robotic ball called a Sphero BOLT.

The interactive session has been specially planned with step-by-step guides for pairs of one child (aged 8 – 13 years) and one adult (no age limit) each to take part in. During the free two-hour session, which will be led by Jersey Coders expert Mentor Colin King, the pairs will complete a series of challenges which may include navigation, IR (infrared) communication and direct interaction between the Spheros.

Paul Taylor, Managing Director, JT (Guernsey) said: “National Coding Week always presents a great opportunity to inspire and inform through raising awareness of coding. This year we wanted to take this ideal opportunity to get generations of families to partner and share skills with each other, in a fun digital learning environment. Many adults have not grown up with technology the way their children and grand-children have, so part of our intention is to unravel some of the mysteries of coding in a friendly and jargon-free environment. At JT we’re keen to help more people to use and understand digital technology, as we have one of the best digital infrastructures in the world – which in turn benefits the whole community and encourages the digital leaders of our future.”

National Coding Week founder, Richard Rolfe, said: “It has always been our aim to encourage schools and businesses to deliver events which showcase innovation and give people an insight into how digital technology is influencing their lives and how they can use it. The JT Generations Code Together sessions are a fun way to demonstrate the latest digital capability using a fantastic learning tool which will appeal to all age groups. We would also like to take the opportunity to thank JT for their constant efforts in bringing our digital community together, this is the 5th year JT have sponsored the annual event, supporting us since we began in 2014”.

Lucy Kirby of Digital Greenhouse said “building coding skills is a vital asset for our island’s future generation and building understanding amongst the current generations of adults is equally important.  It’s great to see JT arranging events like this alongside National Coding week.”

The session take place from 6 pm to 8 pm on Monday 16 September at Digital Greenhouse. Places on the JT Generations Code Together session can be applied for online at www.jtglobal.com/ncw and are limited so we encourage islanders to register their interest fast.

More information about getting involved can be found on the National Coding Week website.



National Coding Week Jersey

Coding across the generations

Take a robotic ball, an adult, a child and a smartphone and you have the perfect recipe for an exciting coding workshop with a difference during the 2019 National Coding Week, sponsored by JT.

This year, JT is providing two FREE coding workshops for budding techno families, called ‘JT Generations Code Together’.  These workshops are designed to bring adults and children together for a few hours to share their different skills and, in the process, learn how to programme an app-enabled robotic ball called a Sphero BOLT.

Two exciting and interactive sessions have been specially planned with step-by-step guides for pairs of one child (aged 8 – 13 years) and one adult (no age limit) each to take part in. During the free two-hour session, which will be led by Jersey Coders expert Mentor Colin King, the pairs will complete a series of challenges which may include navigation, IR (infrared) communication and direct interaction between the Spheros.

Tamara O Brien, JT‘s Head of Customer Experience said: “National Coding Week always presents a great opportunity to inspire and inform through raising awareness of coding. This year we wanted to take this ideal opportunity to get generations of families to partner and share skills with each other, in a fun digital learning environment. Many adults have not grown up with technology the way their children and grand-children have, so part of our intention is to unravel some of the mysteries of coding in a friendly and jargon-free environment. At JT we’re keen to help more people to use and understand digital technology, as we have one of the best digital infrastructures in the world – which in turn benefits the whole community and encourages the digital leaders of our future.”

National Coding Week founder, Richard Rolfe, said: “It has always been our aim to encourage schools and businesses to deliver events which showcase innovation and give people an insight into how digital technology is influencing their lives and how they can use it. The JT Generations Code Together sessions are a fun way to demonstrate the latest digital capability using a fantastic learning tool which will appeal to all age groups. We would also like to take the opportunity to thank JT for their constant efforts in bringing our digital community together, this is the 5th year JT have sponsored the annual event, supporting us since we began in 2014”.

With Digital Jersey’s new Academy opening during September digital skills are firmly on the agenda so we expect these sessions to fill fast.  Tony Moretta, CEO, Digital Jersey said “building coding skills is a vital asset for our island’s future generation and building understanding amongst the current generations of adults is equally important.  It’s great to see JT arranging events like this alongside National Coding week.”

The sessions take place from 6 pm to 8 pm on Tuesday 17 September at Digital Jersey Hub and Thursday 19 September at the Digital Exchange in St Brelade. Places on the JT Generations Code Together sessions can be applied for online at www.jtglobal.com/NCW and are limited so we encourage islanders to register their interest fast.

More information about getting involved can be found on the National Coding Week website.



JT Rewards Guernsey, the guilt free way to treat yourself to an island staycation

With exclusive deals, money off discounts and offers on local restaurants, hotels and overnight stays NEW JT Rewards is on its way, offering Islanders a fantastic variety of special deals and great savings from a range of well-known local businesses.

Islanders are being invited to sign up to JT Rewards ahead of its official launch on Friday 6 September to be able to receive weekly deals, offering massive savings of up to 70% off hotels and restaurants. The weekly deals will be listed on the JT Rewards Facebook and Instagram pages, where people can sign up for a weekly email notification bringing all the latest deals direct to them. Plus, for JT customers there will also be extra, exclusive discounts.

To celebrate the launch, every new subscriber to JT Rewards, signing up before Thursday 5 September will have a chance to win an amazing £3,000 TUI travel voucher giving a lucky winner the family holiday of a lifetime.

JT’s Dominic Vye, Head of Digital Services said: “JT Rewards is something that our customers have consistently said they want, and Guernsey businesses have been really keen to get on board. Our Rewards have been hugely successful in Jersey for many years and we’re delighted that everyone in Guernsey will now have the opportunity to access exclusive deals for local restaurants and hotels.

“JT Rewards is a really easy way for local companies to reach a wider audience. We have an amazing team of people working hard to secure the biggest exclusive offers. Among the businesses who have partnered with JT Rewards are Handpicked Hotels – a long-standing Jersey rewards partner – who will be offering some great deals at St Pierre Park Hotel.”

Emma Knights, Deputy General Manager, St Pierre Park Hotel said: “We are looking forward to promoting the many ways in which islanders can enjoy the St Pierre Park as much as our visitors do, whether that is a treatment at our spa, a romantic meal or an overnight staycation. JT Rewards has already proved to be a very successful and popular way for us to promote deals and reach out to new customers.”

The aim of JT Rewards is to support local businesses by promoting their products or services to islanders and this year there will be a bumper campaign of offers for the Christmas season for those who sign up.

People can sign up online at https://www.jtrewards.com/guernsey/  and find more information on our JT Rewards Facebook page.