Category: Sustainability

Ericsson, a world leader in future-proof, scalable network architecture, has been chosen by JT to install the next generation networks that will provide mobile and fixed line services. The investment, which is being made by JT, keeps pace with the rapidly changing world of communications technology, giving customers across the Channel Islands access to the services and products of the future.

This is an exciting prospect for our islands, and much like when the project to install fibre began, it is almost impossible to comprehend the breadth of capabilities it will bring to the Channel Islands, long into the future.

Daragh McDermott, CEO of JT Group, said: “We are delighted to be working with such a well-known and respected company. Communications technology never stands still, it’s a rapidly changing environment but as with the roll out of fibre, we need to stay ahead of the game and this programme will provide the transformation and leap in technology now required to meet the future demands of businesses and consumers.”

JT and Ericsson signed the contract, which includes mobile network modernisation and upgrades to JT’s CORE, Radio Access Network (RAN) and Managed Services networks, at an official ceremony at Digital Jersey yesterday evening. The project will begin this year and includes Ericsson’s future-proof and scalable Mobile Transport solutions, data-driven Network Management Services and the latest energy efficient products and technologies as part of a sustainable network evolution. As well as offering improved speeds and security, the network modernisation will bring improvements to voice quality on mobile calls, more bandwidth for mobile users and improved coverage. The program will enable future 5G and technology ambitions in the Channel Islands to be met.

Katherine Ainley, Chief Executive of Ericsson UK and Ireland added: “Ericsson and JT share the same passion and vision for next-generation connectivity to create new possibilities for people, businesses and society. We are excited to be building the network of the future for the Channel Islands; this will deliver leading connectivity and create a platform of innovation that will power new consumer and enterprise services, advance the digitalization of industries and boost future economic growth.”

Kirsten Morel, Deputy Chief Minister of Jersey and Minister for Economic Development, added: “Digital infrastructure plays an incredibly important role in our society, with communication technologies helping to address social, environmental, and economic challenges all across the world. Not only do we want islanders to have the most reliable and fastest internet possible, but we also want them to be able to access the services that new technology can provide. This investment in the next generation network by JT will do just that.”

In June’s Connect magazine, ‘In Conversation With Tom Noel’ explores how 135-year-old business JT is pivoting from being a ‘TelCo’ to a ‘TechCo’, with Chief Product Officer Tom Noel overseeing an ambitious project to slash its current 4,500 products to just 450 which “meet customer needs and will be relevant in the future”.

Read more here >

As part of the IoD Jersey branch’s series ‘Real world advice and inspiration’, Katie Corbett, JT’s Chief Commercial Officer was asked to share her career path, lessons learned along the way and what advice she would pass on to directors of the future.

Read the full interview here.

Local students who want to launch their careers in an exciting industry are being invited to join one of the New Talent schemes run by JT. Following on from National Apprenticeship Week last month and now National Careers Week, JT is looking for students in the Channel Islands who want to make a great start to their career by gaining a professional qualification and earning while they learn.

Sixteen apprentices, bursaries and graduates are currently receiving on-the-job training, moving through various parts of the business so that they get the opportunity to see everything that the communications provider does. JT are also sponsoring a scholarship with the Jersey College for Girls foundation and will shortly be welcoming students on placement as part of their HND in computing qualification.

Sarah Gosiewska, Head of Talent at JT, said: “We are a rapidly evolving global business, committed to growing talented local people who we want to see achieving great success. It doesn’t matter whether they are starting from scratch or already have an idea about what their career might look like, the beauty of our New Talent schemes is that they help people identify the areas within the business they enjoy – helping them to grow in confidence and recognise where their strengths lie.  Each new starter is trusted to work in real workplace situations, knowing they have a network of people dedicated to supporting their growth. I love seeing how they thrive alongside our experienced teams.”

JT started the scheme in 2011 and are pleased to have seen a year on year increase in the diversity of applicants. Applications for new candidates closes 10^th April.

Sarah added: “We want to hear from creative, organised, can-do local people who are getting ready for the world of work and have a genuine interest in digital technology. This is a fast paced industry so they must be willing to learn and work as part of a team. We firmly believe that learning should not stop just because formal education has.”

A team from JT is this week attending the world’s largest gathering of experts in technology and mobile connectivity. The Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona is the most influential event of its type and brings together global mobile network operators, device manufacturers, technology providers and all those with an interest in the future of tech.

As a business that uses technological innovation to benefit the communities it works in, the team from JT will see first-hand the latest equipment and systems and forging new partnerships with other like-minded companies and innovators.

Marcus Irwin, Head of Product Innovation at JT, said: “With more people and devices connected to the internet than ever before, the next decade will bring greater access to information and new forms of communication. MWC is the place to meet those who are leading change in our industry. It’s where you can network with tens of thousands of senior industry decision makers and witness how ideas become the next technology that will change our lives. We are always looking for ways to evolve our own mobile network so that it’s ready for the Channel Island’s expanding digital landscape.”

MWC Barcelona is on between 27th February and 2nd March and is organised by GSMA, the association that represents mobile operators around the world. Its partners include large multi-national corporations including Microsoft, Samsung and IBM.

Marcus added: “There have been some huge steps forward because of better connectivity. Technology is evolving all the time and we need to form partnerships with the innovators so that we can work on solutions to problems as well as identifying where technology can make our lives better, more efficient, and ever more connected. That’s why we’ll be there to meet those that share our desire to do the best we can for our communities and discuss how that should be delivered.”

Local telecoms provider JT is making 120 refurbished laptops available to charities in the Channel Islands as part of its new initiative to support good causes. JT Community Giving was launched in November last year inviting schools, charities and other groups to apply for help, whether it’s for project funding, technology support or a request for volunteers.

In the first round of applications the scheme received a high number of requests for laptops from organisations that need help with their digital support services.

JT has partnered with local IT firm SystemLabs, who have kindly donated their time to refurbish the used laptops safely and securely, fitting them with new hard drives so as to extend their lifespan for continued good use.

Pip Carpenter, JT’s Head of Commercial Market, said: “One of our aims as a local business is to make a positive contribution to our community, and making use of IT equipment we no longer use seems like the obvious and sustainable thing to do. The JT Community Giving Scheme has opened up an opportunity for us to extend the life cycle of some of our devices while helping charities across the Channel Islands who are often restricted by budget limitation. These laptops have been restored to as-new condition, with complete cleaning, restoration, and necessary hardware replacement, it’s a great green alternative and means we can support groups that do so much to support our community.’’

Alex Blackwell, Chief Operations Officer at SystemLabs, added: “The incentive by JT to repurpose their old laptops is a great way to reduce waste and enable successful applicants to give the laptops an extended life and new home. Being offered the opportunity to work with JT to complete the refurbishment of their legacy devices and securely recirculate them met with our business values around sustainability and giving back to the Island.”

The second round of JT Community Giving is open now and closes on the 31^st March. It’s open to all not-for-profit businesses based in the Channel Islands, as long as they can show the direct benefit the request will have on our community.

To find out more or to apply, please visit www.jtglobal.com/community