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Progress Milestone: JT and Ericsson Open Test Centre for Next-Generation Mobile Network

One year into a major infrastructure project, JT Group is delighted to announce that the programme to build the Channel Islands’ next-generation mobile networks is not only on schedule but has achieved a pivotal milestone by entering the testing phase.

5G technology promises unprecedented speeds, ultra-low latency, and massive connectivity, revolutionising industries and transforming communication. While its benefits are already enjoyed across Asia, the US, and most major UK towns and cities, rigorous testing across various stages of deployment and operation is essential to realise its full potential in the Channel Islands. This involves lab-testing environments and real everyday scenarios.

A dedicated state-of-the-art test lab, a separate controlled space replicating the network production environment, has now been established in Jersey. This facility will enable engineers to test changes before implementation, ensuring network performance and reliability.

Daragh McDermott, CEO of JT Group, said: “Reaching this exciting and critical phase on time is a testament to the exceptional skills of our team. The meticulous testing required to ensure network performance and reliability is of utmost importance. This new test environment represents a significant step towards achieving the technological transformation needed to meet future demands for Channel Islanders.”

The project includes mobile network modernisation and upgrades to JT’s Radio Access Network (RAN), Transport/Transmission and Core Network infrastructure and associated Network Management and operations tools. Beginning last year, the project features Ericsson’s advanced telecommunications solutions, software and services, especially the latest energy-efficient features, supporting a sustainable network evolution. In tandem with this project, JT continues its progress to simplify, digitise, and automate its processes, systems, and customer offerings, aligning with today’s consumer, business, home, and industry needs.

Katherine Ainley, CEO of Ericsson, UK and Ireland, said: “Our collaboration with JT is driven by a shared vision for next-generation connectivity. New technologies and architectures bring both benefits and challenges. The start of testing marks an exciting step towards completing a next-generation network, promising enhanced connectivity and innovation for the Channel Islands.”

Deputy Lyndon Farnham, Chief Minister of Jersey, said: “This substantial investment by JT will ensure islanders have access to the opportunities that new technology brings. Focusing on the future, this development of a next-generation mobile network is about more than improved connectivity; it is about building a resilient, innovative, and prosperous future for generations to come. This lab will evaluate equipment performance and validate new technologies, ensuring that the islands remain at the forefront of communications technology, offering access to cutting-edge services and products.”

Daragh McDermott, CEO of JT Group, added: “We are committed to building a network that delivers exceptional connectivity and encourages innovation, powering new services for consumers and businesses and contributing to the digital transformation and economic growth of Channel Islands. All things going well, we remain on track to deploy 5G by the end of 2025.”



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JT donates ‘Purple’ phones to Safer, boosting community support for domestic abuse sufferers

Safer, a Guernsey charity that supports and empowers those experiencing domestic abuse, has launched its first community ‘Safer Space’ at the Guille-Alles library with help from JT.

The local telco has donated two mobile handsets with striking purple cases, the colour globally recognised as a symbol of support for domestic abuse charities, through its Community Giving scheme.

Anyone wanting to access help, can go to the Guille-Alles library and ask to use the mobile phone.  The receptionist will direct them to a discreet and private space where they can make the call to Safer.

This year Safer has worked with many local businesses to create more physical Safer spaces within the community. These spaces will have purple mobiles with numbers for Safer and other support services pre-programmed, allowing victims to safely and quickly contact the charity without fear of being tracked by their abuser.

Antonia Rainbow, Training Manager at Safer explained: ‘When people think about domestic abuse they usually think about physical abuse in a relationship, however, it can take many forms.  There is also sexual abuse, stalking and harassment, economic abuse and emotional and psychological abuse.  Most victims entering the Safer service will be experiencing multiple forms of abuse so it’s vital they can contact us safely and confidently, without the perpetrator being aware.’

Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, ethnicity, gender, religion, or sexuality. While it occurs in all types of relationships, most incidents involve men abusing women. Sadly, statistics indicate that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men will face domestic abuse at some point in their lives.

Antonia Rainbow, continued: ‘Alongside the phone at Guille-Alles library we are looking for a location for our second purple phone.  Our hope is to have many more Safer spaces around the Island so that sufferers can visit without causing suspicion to their abusers.  The only way we can stop domestic abuse is to talk about it and we’re really grateful to JT for joining the conversation by making this much needed donation and helping us to raise awareness.’

Pip Carpenter, Head of Consumer Markets and Community Partnerships, at JT said: ‘Our decision to support Safer reflects our genuine commitment to making a meaningful impact in our community. Our goal is to support the dedicated individuals who assist those in our community who are suffering silently. We believe that access to technology can significantly improve the lives of individuals in vulnerable situations by giving them a vital lifeline to seek help.’’



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Safeguarding digital transactions

Did you know that a staggering two-thirds of all reported fraudulent transactions can be traced back to mobile phones? As we increasingly bank, shop, and socialise online, smartphones have become prime targets for cybercriminals. Techniques such as SIM Swap fraud, Authorised Push Payment, and Call-forwarding fraud are commonly used to deceive customers.

At JT, we fully recognise the dangers of financial fraud. That’s why we created JT Mobile Intelligence, giving us a unique edge. Our solutions and products, used the world over, verify identities, authenticates transactions, and detects fraud, safeguarding businesses and their customers. These tools are crucial for effective KYC processes, because at the end of the day, happy customers are the core of any business.

Our Chief Product Officer, Tom Noel, explains more about how JT is making a difference, read here.