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JT Mobile Intelligence defending against impersonation fraud

JT Group Limited has expanded their suite of Mobile Intelligence services with the launch of Scam Signal which allows businesses to protect their customers from impersonation scams, particularly Authorised Pushed Payment (APP) fraud.

Working alongside global analytics software provider FICO, JT have become the first of Vodafone’s channel partners to offer Scam Signal with their mobile intelligence solutions.

JT continues to take a market-leading position in Mobile Intelligence, which uses mobile systems and networks to learn, analyse and resolve user queries with intelligent data. Scam Signal provides a framework of computer rules that app developers and businesses can use to tackle online fraud and protect the digital identities of their customers, enabling financial institutions to swiftly identify and thwart fraudulent bank transfers as they occur in real-time. Leveraging advanced analysis of real-time network data during live transactions, it effectively detects and mitigates social engineering attempts aimed at deceiving and defrauding account holders.

During a successful three-month pilot with a leading UK bank, it was shown that Scam Signal detection could be improved by as much as 30%.

The launch of Scam Signal is particular timely given the growing problem of APP fraud within the UK. Statistics published by the UK government show that 1 in 15 people have fallen victim to fraudulent activity. In 2022, more than £485 million was lost to APP fraud. Recent data for the Channel Islands show a 20% increase in online fraudulent activity, increasingly affecting older and vulnerable people with many losing considerable amounts of money.

Jersey Police recently warned islanders about an increase in these types of scams which can see people losing their life savings. Earlier this year, Guernsey Police also reported that six people were scammed out of a total of £80,000.00. Typically, APP fraud involves a criminal tricking someone into sending them money, often through impersonating representatives from banks, government departments, or even a family member. They can also deceive a victim into making advance payments for fraudulent investments, counterfeit goods and services, or even extort money through a seemingly genuine romance or friendship.

Peter Stok, Global Head of Mobile Intelligence Strategy, JT Group said: ‘The technology represents a significant breakthrough in the fight against fraud and is directly meeting customer’s needs, helping financial institutions to protect consumers by tackling fraud at its source. It’s an essential part of JT’s Mobile Intelligence solutions, providing streamlined identity verification, discreet authentication, and instant fraud protection.

‘Customers are increasingly demanding that their information is safeguarded and to have top-level security that keep pace with the sophistication of fraudsters. Together with our strategic partners we’re addressing a critical need, responding to a more than 20% increase in fraud last year alone.’



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JT Support Jersey Mencap as part of their Community Giving Scheme

Jersey Mencap is the latest charitable cause to receive support from JT’s Community Giving scheme. JT’s donation has allowed the charity to purchase reaction lights that will support its members with a range of abilities to improve hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and cognitive skills while having fun.

The innovative technology uses a series of lights to trigger a response. The light creates stimuli, causing us to react by turning it off with a foot or hand. Each light has a sensor that records the number of times it is extinguished within a defined timeframe. The sensor can be monitored over time to track progress and identify any areas that may need improvement.

This unique form of mental training creates significant changes within the brain. Neurotransmitters deliver important information that tells parts of the body to start moving. The more the neurotransmitters move, the faster and more efficiently they are received, allowing us to be more agile and efficient when responding to stimuli, such as playing sport or having a conversation.

Jersey Mencap has around 150 members with learning disabilities. They offer weekly activities that will appeal to their members, provide more structure to their week, build friendships, and a chance to try something new.

Ali Hand, Activity Coordinator at Jersey Mencap, explained: ‘Working in partnership with Jersey Sport, our members attend a weekly circuit training session to improve physical fitness that has been running for a number of years. The reaction lights are so versatile and, with the help of a personal trainer, can be used for many different games and exercises, which can be adapted to the level of ability. Introducing the reaction light training has been fun because we’re learning to use them together, and it has created an interactive way for our members to have fun and improve their skills.

‘The reaction lights are expensive to buy, which is why we’re so grateful to JT for this wonderful donation.’

Pip Carpenter, JT’s Head of Consumer Markets, said: ‘It is fascinating to see how this innovative technology can help islanders with physical disabilities whilst also being fun.

‘Once we understood how these special reaction lights could be used and the benefits they offer Mencap’s members, we were keen to help. It’s exactly the kind of project JT loves to support through our Community Giving scheme.’

Applications for this year’s JT Community Giving Scheme are open, with reviews taking place every three months. It’s an open call to not-for-profit organisations, schools, and community groups across the Channel Islands to join JT’s journey of community enhancement and support.



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JT strengthens its fraud prevention expertise with Spectrum acquisition

JT has expanded its Mobile Intelligence offerings by acquiring Spectrum Message Services, an Australian-based company. Spectrum specialises in combining mobile communications platforms with anti-fraud and payment systems and has global partnerships with top-tier transactional software and service solution providers.

Spectrum’s flagship product, MoneyGuard, is a mobile alert system that’s used to process transactions for more than 120 million consumers worldwide using cards, accounts and other electronic payment forms. It’s been designed to help financial institutions fight fraud by alerting and communicating with customers through SMS, mobile apps, email and voice.

JT plans to seamlessly integrate MoneyGuard into its existing portfolio, enhancing its ability to protect customers from financial fraud and identity theft.

Daragh McDermott, CEO of JT Group, commented: “JT Group’s vision is to connect our customers, and this strategic acquisition perfectly aligns with our commitment to using data-driven solutions to combat financial fraud. MoneyGuard’s innovative features complement our existing Mobile Intelligence portfolio, bolstering our ability to provide effective communication channels in the dynamic world of financial transactions.”

Gerard Vos, Managing Director of Spectrum, added: “This marks an exciting chapter for MoneyGuard. Our shared vision for combining mobile alert systems with mobile intelligence aligns perfectly, and we look forward to contributing to its further growth by adding our expertise to JT’s initiatives in combating fraud whilst improving the overall customer experience.”

With the addition of MoneyGuard to its product portfolio, JT has solidified its position as a leader in Mobile Intelligence, combining expertise and solutions to create a more secure digital future.

For more information on Spectrum MoneyGuard click here >



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Silver award for JT’s diverse and inclusive culture

JT’s continuous focus on being a great place to work has been recognised as it moves up a level in a national awards scheme that measures progress on diversity and inclusion. The company is among 43 organisations that have received a TIDE Silver award, with other winners including BAE Systems, Engineering and Glasgow City Council.

In 2022, the telecommunications company achieved bronze and its latest Silver TIDE (Talent Inclusion and Diversity Evaluation) rating from the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion saw JT’s score improve from 61% in 2022 to 74% in 2023, putting it in 34th place out of 171 organisations.

Sarah Gosiewska, JT Head of Talent, said: “For us, diversity and inclusion means acknowledging and appreciating perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, creating a working environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued for who they are. This highlights the continuous effort we put into life at JT.

TIDE awards are given to employers that rank highest on a benchmarking system that measures progress and commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion. JT was also ranked in first place in its region for recruitment after investing in anti-bias software and introducing enhanced diversity reporting. The local telco was also recognised for increasing its diversity among senior management positions.

Laura Belo, Head of HR at JT, added: “The TIDE process ensures that we strive for continuous progress against recognised targets. It’s also about tuning our work culture into what our people want and need, recognising and rewarding their talents, and creating an organisation where everyone feels not only valued but empowered. The average length of time people stay with JT is nearly ten years, a testament to people of all ages working side by side, from 18 to 67. With our long-term goals of working towards continual improvement, we hope that our score will continue to reflect the genuine efforts that the whole team is making.”



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JT and RoamsysNext collaborate on Game-Changing IoT Solution for Network Optimisation

In response to the explosive growth of IoT devices and the projection that their number will double to 27 billion by 2025, Jersey Telecom (JT Group) has worked with development partner RoamsysNext to introduce JT’s IoT Certification Manager (ICM). This innovative solution addresses the pressing challenge faced by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), and enterprise partners, who are struggling with network congestion and performance issues due to uncertified IoT devices.

Network congestion occurs when there’s an overload of signalling and data traffic that exceeds the network’s capacity to manage. To tackle these issues, operators have at times resorted to blocking devices based on International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and traffic patterns, which can lead to an imperfect solution.

ICM effectively reduces the network issues that stem from IoT devices, ensuring improved service quality for customers and businesses. It provides valuable insights and analytics, allowing operators to identify and if required take necessary actions against uncertified or unfamiliar devices that may disrupt network performance or pose security risks, safeguarding the customer experience.

Going beyond optimising network performance, ICM enhances cybersecurity, ensuring that only trusted and secure devices connect to the network. This solution also enables Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to guarantee that their devices function as originally intended on networks.

Underpinned by a comprehensive dataset, this system facilitates the alignment of the Type Allocation Code (TAC) with certification data to uniquely identify each IoT device. It offers a user-friendly interface equipped with features such as a search tool, bulk entry, data export, and device verification against the manufacturer’s records.

Marcus Irwin, Head of Product Innovation at JT, said; “As an MNO, we’re well aware of the challenges posed by the existing and growing number of IoT devices. With ICM, we’re offering operators worldwide a groundbreaking solution that not only optimises network performance but also strengthens cybersecurity. It’s the game-changer we all need to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape.”

He added, “What truly sets ICM apart is its remarkable ability to consolidate multiple data sources into a single interface. This allows operators, resellers, aggregators, enterprises, and manufacturers to easily identify IoT devices on their network, verify their global certifications, and make well-informed decisions based on high-quality intelligence.

Michael Grasmück, CEO of RoamsysNext, said; “Our commitment to data enrichment and consolidation is unparalleled. ICM is the answer to the industry’s need for a comprehensive, single-source solution that enables operators to address network congestion and improve services for their customers and businesses.

JT’s IoT Certification Management is available to mobile network operators, MVNOs, enterprise businesses, and OEMs through a yearly subscription. For more information click here.



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Two New Defibrillators Enhance Emergency Response in St Helier

A further two emergency heart starting devices have been added to the network of defibrillators in St Helier. The public access defibrillators are outside JT’s headquarters at the Forum in Grenville Street and at the former JT shop in Minden Place.

Working with the Jersey Heart Support Group, the two Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) join a network of more than 80 distinctive yellow and green cabinets in prominent places around the island, that includes parish halls, Jersey Zoo, the Liberation Station and opposite the public entrance to the States building.

Derren Le Breton Glover, Property and Health and Safety Manager, from JT, said: “Having a large network of Public Access Defibrillators provides reassurance that life-saving emergency equipment is readily available if needed. Knowing the location of a defibrillator can be the difference between life and death and with more of them in prominent known locations, members of the public can get to them or be informed by the emergency services where the nearest portable machine can be found. We are delighted to help expand and improve the network so that these vital devices can be accessed quickly and easily.”

The Jersey Heart Support Group started installing AEDs in public areas a decade ago and has relied on donations and sponsorship to expand the network to over 80 today. They join those already available in workplaces that are also known to the emergency services, but more of those could be made accessible to the public.

Mandi Corley Harris, Chair of the Jersey Heart Support Group, added: “It is vitally important that the emergency services know where every defibrillator is but not all will be accessible and that’s why we are so pleased when companies like JT sponsor two that anyone can use in an emergency. Training is also giving to members of staff so that they can use them quickly and confidently. A few years ago, we started a campaign to ‘Liberate Defibrillators’ so that more AEDs could be made available on the outside of buildings in external cabinets. We rely on support from companies and individuals who are community minded and want to help us save lives.”



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Young people forge global connections at the world’s largest digital Scouting event

Local Scouts, Cubs, and Beavers are now bridging borders and connecting with their peers worldwide, thanks to a generous donation of refurbished laptops from JT Community Giving.

The annual international Jamboree-On-The Internet (JOTI), held alongside the Jamboree-On-The-Air, not only challenges but encourages members of Jersey’s Scout movement to make online connections with young people all over the world either through the internet or over shortwave radio.

The 10th Jersey Scout Group applied to JT Community Giving to replace their aging desktop computers. Their outdated devices were no longer fit for purpose, limiting activities for the group. Although new to the group, these laptops have been refurbished as part of JT’s commitment to repurposing equipment, they will not only facilitate participation in international events but also in engaging educational activities as part of the broader scouting program.

Pip Carpenter, Head of Commercial Market at JT, said: “JT Community Giving, launched just a year ago, is delighted to be able to help so many charities and organisations benefit from practical assistance. In this case, the Scouts received refurbished equipment, aiding them in running their program of activities and events. Scouting provides a safe and fun environment that challenges and develops young people from all backgrounds. It’s fantastic that we can support them in connecting with scouts worldwide and sharing their interests using the power of the internet. It’s truly amazing how technology can bridge cultures and generations.”

During the weekend of activities held in November, scouts contacted young people as far away as South Korea and Indonesia, using the 10 reconditioned laptops, they will also be used throughout the year to help young people work towards their Digital Citizen activity badge.

Glen Militis, Island Lead Volunteer and Acting Group Scout Leader 10th Jersey Scout Group added: “Scouting is all about preparing young people for life and having good digital skills is essential in today’s world. We help the young people who make up our Beaver, Cubs and Scout sections learn about how digital technology works and how it can enhance their lives. The laptops from JT are a massive boost to how we deliver that programme. Thanks to JT’s Community Giving Scheme, we now have up to date IT equipment that will serve us well for years to come, an essential element in delivering our scouting program.”



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Unlocking connectivity’s potential

Like many others, JT has adapted to the changing tech landscape by making technology more accessible. We’re using our expertise to develop and provide new digital services, expanding our offerings beyond traditional telecommunications services. This diversification of services is driven not only by our need to stay competitive but also a genuine desire to meet the evolving demands of consumers and businesses. In today’s world, connectivity alone is no longer enough, which is why JT has become a one-stop-shop for all communication and technology needs.



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JT Community Giving helps over 120 local charities in its first year

JT Community Giving has been received by the community in an overwhelmingly positive manner. The level of support we’ve received in its inaugural year has far exceeded our expectations. Reflecting on the year, we not only acknowledge the importance of small groups but celebrate them wholeheartedly — they are the genuine heartbeat of our community. What truly matters to us is your focus. We firmly believe that every member of our team has the opportunity and responsibility to build lasting relationships founded on trust, our commitment to fulfilling promises, and the enhanced value our solutions bring to you.

 



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JT Welcomes eSIM Technology: Convenience, Safety and Sustainability

From 16th November, all JT customers across the Channel Islands with supported smart phones and tablets can benefit from eSIM technology.

If you’ve got a mobile phone, you’ll already be familiar with the small SIM card that connects your device to a mobile provider, allowing you to make and receive calls and texts and use data on your phone.

Today more and more smart phones use a digital version called an eSIM instead of the physical card to connect to your mobile plan. Unlike a regular SIM card, once downloaded via a QR code, the technology is securely embedded into your phone, where it has the potential to make things much simpler, safer and convenient for smartphone users.

Tom Noel, Chief Product Officer at JT, said: “eSIMs offer a hassle-free mobile experience. They are perfect for those juggling work and personal numbers on one device, for anyone that wants to add international networks when roaming, or for people who simply don’t want to install a physical SIM card.

eSIMs aren’t just about convenience – they’re a safety upgrade too.

“Safety is crucial to us’’, added Tom, ‘’Our eSIM services have robust security features, making smartphones much more secure against fraud, especially SIM Swap, because you are virtually connected to the network. With no physical SIM, it’s harder for cybercriminals to acquire another SIM card and re-register the number in their name.

“What’s also great about eSIMs is that by eliminating the need for physical SIM cards, they reduce electronic waste and align to our commitment to environmental goals, making our customer’s mobile experience both secure and eco-friendly, something we know they rate highly.’’