JT 5G Switch On
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Jersey’s new 5G network goes live

JT’s multi-million-pound investment in a next-generation mobile network, powered by Ericsson, has entered its final phase with the first sites going live on the new 5G network over the weekend, making it a significant first for the Channel Islands and a leading early mover in Europe.

A launch event took place at JT’s Network Operation Centre, where JT’s engineers worked in sync with Ericsson’s Global Network Operations Centre, via a live link. After months of trials and painstaking optimisation testing, they successfully migrated the old network on sites within Area One in St Ouen and transitioned to the newly built network. Predictions based on early testing show significant signal strength and coverage improvements, culminating in further significant increases in average download speed on the new network compared to the previous connectivity.

This marks the beginning of a new era for Jersey enabling the Island to become a true incubator for innovation across many sectors. This comes just two years on from JT partnering with Ericsson to upgrade  its award-winning network with comprehensive end-to-end 5G solutions.

This process of rolling out the new network will take place over several months, with Areas going live in a phased approach. The full 5G Standalone (SA) experience will only be available once all phases are completed, which is expected by the end of 2025.

5G SA technology is more advanced than the non-standalone (NSA) 5G used by most operators. While Ericsson supports 183 5G networks in 77 countries, JT will be joining 60 leading operators globally with the launch of 5G SA. Combined with JT’s full fibre-to-home service, this will provide Islanders with seamless connectivity both on the ground and in the air, making Jersey one of the most connected places in the world and one of the few networks globally to have end-to-end Ericsson technology.

JT has already invested in extensive core network equipment in Guernsey as part of this initiative and stands ready to switch the radio network to match the capabilities of Jersey’s once the Guernsey Regulator establishes a spectrum licensing framework for the deployment of 5G and future technologies.

The new 5G SA network is designed to provide JT’s Channel Islands customers with world-leading connectivity, continuously enhancing reliability, latency, and security. The telecom’s focus has been on building a robust infrastructure that can adapt to future technologies, remain world-class, and meet both anticipated and unforeseen data demands.

Daragh McDermott, CEO, JT Group said, “Networks are never complete; the work never stops because technology is always improving, so our focus will always be on enabling the technology of tomorrow, for our customers today. We are constantly looking ahead while addressing current needs, providing the best possible connectivity and working with partner organisations and businesses to help them get the most out of the network. It’s about taking the right risks and making prudent investments so everyone can thrive and innovate, advancing the digital economy across the Channel Islands.’’

Katherine Ainley, Chief Executive of Ericsson UK and Ireland, added, “Ericsson and JT share a vision for next-generation connectivity that creates new possibilities for people, businesses, and society. By investing in an end-to-end solution from Ericsson, JT is building a robust network with best-in-class coverage and performance. This advanced infrastructure will not only mean faster and more reliable connections, but also support new devices, services and business models that will position the Channel Islands as a global hub for innovation. We’re looking forward to continuing our partnership to further develop the network and deliver new experiences for JT’s customers.”

Deputy Lyndon Farnham, Chief Minister of Jersey, said, ‘‘We welcome the roll-out across the Island of the new 5G network and the potential for enhanced service, security, resilience and innovation it brings. I was able to visit JT’s Network Operation Centre for the official launch and look forward to hearing more about the performance of the new network and the impact on customers in Jersey.’’

Deputy Kirsten Morel, Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, said, “The launch of this 5G stand-alone network is an important step in driving sustainable economic growth. Not only does it enhance connectivity and support emerging technologies, it will also create opportunities across key sectors, giving us the potential for Jersey to be a global testbed for digital solutions to the challenges of ageing populations and improving productivity that Western jurisdictions are all facing.”

Daragh added, ‘’We all have a common goal, and that’s to keep raising the bar for our customers. We will continue to invest and develop our networks for our customers, supporting their increasing needs and providing superior customer service alongside it.’’

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JT Employees, Former Highlands College Students, Connect with Current IT Student

Highlands College recently hosted a coffee morning to thank JT for its ongoing support, using the opportunity to invite JT former students to meet the current cohort of IT students, reflecting their long-standing and supportive relationship.

Marcus Irwin, Head of Product Innovation at JT, highlights the significance of the partnership: “At JT, we’ve seen first-hand how young people graduating from the College grow into highly skilled professionals. The combination of mentorship, hands-on learning, and the confidence they gain from their Tutors has helped many build amazing careers. Several of JT’s team now play a key role in mentoring the next generation. This partnership is not just about filling roles; it’s about creating long-term career opportunities for local talent.”

JT has long recognised the value of Highlands College and the quality of its graduates. Many of these graduates have become JT employees, and with support, have continued to benefit from ongoing professional development courses with the College.

From an educational perspective, Shaun Heslop, FdSc and BSc Digital Technologies Co-Ordinator at Highlands College, said, “Digital skills are essential across all industries, which is why we’re equipping students with the technical expertise and problem-solving abilities needed to thrive in the world of work.”

Torin Mitchell, Enterprise IT Manager at JT and a Highlands College graduate, added, “The digital skills gap is a real challenge for every industry. Highlands is producing talented graduates who go on to careers in many areas such as finance, HR, and marketing as well as critical technical roles, ensuring the island has a well-rounded workforce for the future. By working closely with the College, we’re supporting a pipeline of professionals who understand not just the technical aspects but also the broader business landscape.”

Darian Faria, a former Highlands College student who completed JT’s Graduate Scheme, is now a full-time employee. “Events like this are fantastic for meeting people who are doing the job you aspire to, the job you’re working towards. Studying in Jersey and continuing with JT’s Graduate Scheme has been an amazing opportunity for me. It’s been a stepping stone to my current role as a developer in the Product team.”

The event reflects a shared commitment to combat the local digital skills shortage by adopting a community-driven approach to nurturing talent. By working with local businesses like JT, the College can ensure it offers vocational and technical courses and tailored apprenticeships that directly address the current and evolving needs of the digital industry.

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JT’s Tech Donation Enhances Safety for Students at this year’s De La Salle Island Walk

JT’s Community Giving Scheme funded a much-needed digital tracking system to enhance the safety of students taking part in the 2025 De La Salle Island Walk. The funding enabled the College to set up a digital tracking system and portable Mi-Fi units for use at checkpoints along the route, ensuring the event maintained strong health and safety standards.

The new system will also contribute to the long-term feasibility of the event as it can be reused in future years, which enables De La Salle College to minimise costs. This means they can maximise the funds raised by the students for local charities, reinforcing their ethos of giving back to the community.

David Sharrock, Assistant Head Teacher (safeguarding) from De La Salle College, said: ‘With 500 boys walking 36 miles across the island, health and safety is critical. This new system not only helps with logistical challenges but also provides peace of mind for parents and staff. We’re incredibly grateful to JT for their support in making our walk safer for years to come.’

The annual De La Salle Island Walk is not just a physical and mental challenge for the participants but also a key fundraiser for charities chosen by the students. In previous years, the event has raised an impressive £15,000 – £20,000, for charities such as the JSPCA, Dementia Jersey, and Mind Jersey. This year’s chosen charities were The Grace Crocker Family Support Foundation and CAFOD – Catholic International Development Charity.

Pip Carpenter, JT’s Head of Consumer Markets and Community Partnerships, added: ‘The pupils who take part in the De La Salle Island Walk demonstrate impressive stamina and dedication to complete such a challenging task. We’re thrilled to have been able to contribute to its ongoing success. It’s a strong example of using digital for good within the community and we’re proud to play our small part in such a fantastic and important event.’

De La Salle College’s annual round the island walk highlights the school’s commitment to both physical endurance and charitable giving, creating a spirit of community engagement and raising funds for important causes. This tradition not only challenges students but also helps to instil their values of service and social responsibility.

For more information on JT’s Community Giving scheme and how other charities, schools or community groups can apply for support, please visit www.jtglobal.com/community.

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JT Community Giving Scheme supports free mindfulness sessions for Autism Jersey’s members and carers

Autism Jersey has received crucial funding from JT’s Community Giving Scheme to support a series of mindfulness sessions as part of their Adult and Family Support Services, the arm of the charity that provides personalised assistance to autistic individuals, their families, and carers.

Autism Jersey’s services are free of charge, and the funding provided by JT will enable the organisation to continue its work in addressing the rising pressures faced by individuals and families in need. From May 2023 to April 2024 alone, the charity supported 280 families, hosted events for 420 children, and engaged 92 adults in its services for the first time.

Lesley Harrison, spokesperson for Autism Jersey, said: ‘Support from the JT Community Giving scheme offers a lifeline as the need and demand for our services is growing rapidly, and as a small team we manage our limited resources and capability accordingly. A donation of this nature will go a long way to help us to continue delivering this service provision for some of the most vulnerable people in our community.’

The charity relies on fundraising events, charitable donations, and sponsorship to keep its services free but due to the increased cost-of-living these individual donations have been reduced. Similarly, for businesses who are also affected by rising costs many now focus on volunteering as part of their CSR rather than cash donations, but due to the nature of its work, this is not a viable option for Autism Jersey.

Autism Jersey’s Adult and Family Support Services provide personalised family support, a range of family events, a befriending programme led by trained volunteers, and activities specifically designed to foster connections and provide respite. These include a siblings support group, community events like weekly coffee mornings for mums, newly introduced curry nights for dads and all important mindfulness sessions for carers, which are provided free of charge, thanks to the funding from JT.

Pip Carpenter, Head of Consumer Markets and Community Partnerships at JT, added: ‘This funding will hopefully help Autism Jersey respond to the growing demand for their services and ensure that individuals and families are well supported in their own needs as vital carers. At JT, we understand the immense value charities like Autism Jersey bring to our community and we are proud to support them in delivering these critical services.’

Autism Jersey remains at the forefront of autism-related services in Jersey, offering a wide range of support tailored to individuals, families, and carers. The charity, which has attained Advanced Status under the National Autistic Society Accreditation Programme, views partnerships like this one with JT as essential to achieving its mission of enabling people with autism to fulfil their potential within an inclusive community.

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JT Supports Well-being at Sanctuary Trust with Mobile Phone Donation

Sanctuary Trust is the most recent organisation to benefit from JT’s Community Giving Scheme. After applying for and receiving refurbished laptops for their members in 2024, the start of 2025 has seen a further ten smart phones being donated to the Trust-to support men experiencing homelessness, enabling them to stay connected as they work towards rebuilding their lives.

Sanctuary Trust provides accommodation and outreach programmes to empower men in crisis. Their support extends beyond accommodating 30 residents to outreach initiatives for 25 ex-residents. However, access to digital devices has remained a significant challenge for many of the men the charity assists, making communication for essential services like job searches, health appointments, and maintaining personal connections extremely difficult.

Lorna Hanby, speaking on behalf of Sanctuary Trust, said: ‘Having access to a mobile phone is something many of us take for granted, but for many of those we work with, being connected can be the first step in getting back on their feet. JT’s generosity allows us to provide this critical tool, helping individuals not just to be connected but also to help rebuild their independence and digital skills.’

JT’s contribution aligns with its mission of creating meaningful community impacts through technology.

Pip Carpenter, Head of Consumer Markets and Community Partnerships at JT, commented: ‘Technology really does have the power to transform lives. Sanctuary Trust is leading the way in providing not just accommodation but comprehensive support and pathways to independence for the men they help. We are honoured to contribute to such a meaningful cause by providing mobile phones that enable personal and digital connectivity.’

Sanctuary Trust provides accommodation and outreach programmes to empower those in in crisis, with support extending beyond accommodating its 30 residents across 3 residential properties, to outreach initiatives for former residents.

For more information about the work of Sanctuary Trust or to support their mission, visit https://www.sanctuarytrust.org.je/.

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JT donates servers to Highlands College to Support Local Education

An initiative, through JT’s Community Giving scheme, has seen the company donate some of their older servers and storage equipment, to Highlands College.

The more modern, specialist IT hardware has been gifted to the Computing and Creative Arts Department and although these servers are a decade old, they are more advanced than the college’s current equipment. To comply with required standards, JT needed to replace its current servers and as part of their circular economy commitments, offered them to the local college to repurpose.  This donation ensures the servers are put to good use and goes in some way to helping bridge the skills gap and encouraging more people to enter the industry. Students now have access to resources that mirror professional IT environments and creative industry standards, enabling the college to deliver specialised IT training and AV projects, equipping students with industry-relevant skills. Several of JT’s IT team were once students at the collage, so giving something back to support learning for tomorrows talent was a key driver for JT.

Ben Pirozzolo, Technical and Production Services Coordinator at Highlands College, said, ‘Due to the high cost of industrial quality server equipment, Highlands College often relies on donations of modern specialised IT hardware. These valuable donations help support students in not only computing based qualifications, but also Digital AV qualifications such as audio and video technology, digital games, film, journalism and performing and visual arts.

‘This fantastic contribution from JT means we can be more up to date, giving our students an advantage when they enter the local workforce.’

The servers and storage hardware from JT will replace some of the College’s outdated equipment, positively impacting the quality of training and skills Highlands are able to provide students locally.

Pip Carpenter, Head of Consumer Markets and Community Partnerships at JT, commented, ‘Where we can we are committed to providing young people with the equipment needed to teach essential IT skills, which are increasingly important in today’s digital economy. A well-trained workforce supports Jersey’s digital infrastructure, facilitating better communication and business operations across the island. This also contributes to our promise to support a circular economy – we’ve donated equipment that we can no longer use but will be of use to the college for many years to come.

Ben added, ‘’By supplying more modern resources Highlands College can equip students with highly sought-after skills in courses such as Microsoft Azure, Hyper-V virtualisation, Microsoft SQL, and networking fundamentals. JT’s donation helps students to be ‘job ready’ in skills such as data management, analytics and foundational networking abilities, as well as practical and problem-solving skills to meet the needs of businesses in Jersey well into the future.’

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JT enhances security efforts at Pat Merriman Garden with data SIM card donation

JT’s Community Giving Scheme has donated the connectivity needed for the new security cameras designed to protect the restored Pat Merriman Peace Garden in the Les Cotils following vandalism earlier this year.

Designed to be a restorative outdoor space to help people undergoing a healing process from physical or mental ill health. The garden planners consulted with Alzheimer’s, Autism and Dementia experts when it was being designed, so that it could be an inclusive area for everyone.

In April, the garden suffered over £7,000 worth of damage due to vandalism. Several trees were destroyed by arson, the walkway was ruined, and wildlife disrupted when granite was deliberately pushed into the pond.

Local businessman, Matt Thornton, co-founder of Cortex Technologies heard about the vandalism through the local media and donated £1,500 for repairs. Another friend of Les Cotils donated new sleepers for the bank under the tulip tree, after the previous ones had been soaked in petrol and set on fire. JT’s donation is the final piece of an amazing community effort to help restore and protect the garden.

Erin Adkins, Head of Operations at Les Cotils Centre, said: ‘The Peace Garden is a place of tranquillity and while we’ve been reluctant to install cameras, sadly we have been left with little choice.’

Pip Carpenter, Head of Consumer Markets and Community Partnerships at JT, said: In a stressful world, we all need a place to pause and recharge. The Pat Merriman Peace Garden offers just that—a peaceful spot with beautiful views of St Peter Port to find calm and inspiration. When it was damaged, it was a real blow to the community, but the way everyone came together to restore it shows just how much it means to us all. It’s a reminder that even in the face of senseless acts, we can come together and care for what really matters.

Erin continued: ‘We are so grateful to JT and the rest of the community who have pulled together to rebuild the gardens. When Matt reached out to us, it restored my faith in humankind. Most people don’t realise what Les Cotils does and if he and JT hadn’t come forward, we would have had to spend money that would have otherwise gone towards helping others. We’re delighted that together we could bring the garden back to its natural state, and we hope that islanders will continue to enjoy the scenery and tranquillity for many years to come.’

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JT’s Community Giving Scheme Boosts The Little Chapel Foundation’s Donation System

The Little Chapel Foundation, the latest recipient of JT’s Community Giving scheme, has received a mobile data device, which means the charity can now take donations by card as well as cash.

One of Guernsey’s most loved heritage sites, The Little Chapel, is renowned for its intricate design and historical significance. Managed by a charitable foundation, it remains open to the public without an entry fee, relying entirely on donations to sustain its operations and continue the mission of its preservation.

Previously, without a data connection, many well-meaning visitors were unable to donate to the foundation unless they had cash. With the donated data device and 12 months of free data, visitors can now easily ‘tap’ into an online donation system, making seamless donations via their credit and debit cards.

Joachim “JJ” Paes, a Councillor and the Treasurer of the Little Chapel Foundation, said: “The Foundation depends 100% upon the generosity of the local community and visitors. We are so grateful to JT for their help with connecting this iconic attraction to the technology needed to enable people to donate in seconds. Something as simple as this gives us a new lifeline. This generous donation means more people can contribute to our goal to raise much-needed funds to fully restore The Little Chapel, which includes plans for wheelchair-friendly walkways and woodland gardens. For us, it’s helping to ensure its survival for future generations.”

Pip Carpenter, Head of Consumer Markets and Community Partnerships, added: “Relying solely on donations can be a real challenge for charities, which is why we set up JT Community Giving, so that each year we could help as many small organisations as possible that don’t have the means to fund basic digital equipment or large fundraising campaigns. The Little Chapel remains one of the island’s most popular tourism attractions, celebrated for its remarkable detail and fascinating history, and we’re delighted to have played a small part in helping them to maintain this wonderful part of our heritage.”

JT’s Community Giving scheme has assisted over 300 charities since November 2022 when the scheme began, spanning a diverse range of demographics and providing essential community services.

For more information or to apply, visit JT Community Giving.

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JT Community Giving brings Interactive Learning to Family Nursing & Home Care

Family Nursing & Home Care (FNHC) has received a significant boost to their in-house training capabilities thanks to a donation of a state-of-the-art Promethean ActivBoard screen from JT Community Giving.

This collaborative technology has helped to transform the way the organisation delivers training to carers and nursing staff, which includes remote access capabilities.

FNHC’s Education and Development team commented: “We are hugely grateful to JT Community Giving for their generous donation. This technology has enriched our ability to run engaging training sessions by making use of modern, interactive features. The response from learners has been overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating how much more responsive and fun the sessions have become.”

The Promethean ActivBoard screen is an advanced interactive whiteboard, offering a suite of features such as a multi-window capability that allows simultaneous notetaking and video viewing. This functionality, coupled with tools such as voting systems for interactive quizzes, has really improved the team’s learning experiences, making sessions more dynamic and enjoyable for all.

Since its inception two years ago, JT Community Giving has provided support to over 250 community projects across the Channel Islands.

Pip Carpenter, Head of Consumer Markets and Community Partnerships at JT, said, “We are committed to supporting local organisations with technology and expertise to improve lives. Seeing the positive impact of the new interactive screen at FNHC just reaffirms the importance of our community initiatives. Our goal is to promote digital inclusivity and overall well-being within the community, and we are delighted to contribute to FNHC’s growth and success’’.

‘’At JT Community Giving, our core values of community enhancement, digital skills progression, and support for local charities and organisations play a part in everything we do. Whether it’s through donations, teaching, providing services, or volunteering, we are dedicated to making a meaningful impact’’.

To learn more about JT Community Giving, visit www.jtglobal.com/community-giving.

The courses run by FNHC include clinical skills training, such as first aid, diabetes care, and pressure ulcer management, ensuring that nursing staff and home carers across Jersey are equipped with essential knowledge to provide exceptional care. Their courses can be booked through EventBrite: Family Nursing & Home Care Events – 40 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite.

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Scam Signal Solution from FICO and Jersey Telecom Wins Anti-Fraud Award

FICO® Customer Communications Service Scam Signal wins award at Credit & Collections Technology Awards; solution uses telephony signals to spot scams

LONDON – 18 November, 2024 (International Fraud Awareness Week) – FICO (NYSE: FICO)

A new solution from global analytics leader FICO and Jersey Telecom (JT) received the Best Anti-Fraud Solution award at the Credit & Collections Technology Awards on November 7 in Manchester. The FICO® Customer Communications Service solution, called ‘Scam Signal’, uniquely uses telephony signals to detect potential scams. The solution, which is available in the UK and soon to launch in Spain, also won silver in the Datos Insights awards earlier this year.

Scam Signal is the first real-time application of telephony data being used with customer and payment data to tackle the issue of authorised push payment (APP) fraud, where consumers are tricked into authorising payments from their accounts to scammers. It is the only solution that provides an integrated approach, seamlessly connecting telephony data with fraud decision making and prevention. This enables direct, near real-time customer intervention to determine if a payment should proceed.

“With APP fraud causing £460 million in reported losses in the UK in 2023 and new regulations mandating reimbursements, the need for banks to adopt preventative solutions is more urgent than ever,” ’said Clare Messenger, Head of Mobile Intelligence Solutions at JT. “This technology is a breakthrough in fraud prevention, using telephony signals to detect subtle signs of fraud at its source. This means banks and other organisations can take proactive measures to prevent financial loss.  ’We are delighted that the solution has been recognised and hope it contributes to reducing fraud statistics as banks across the UK use it to protect their customers.”

Scam Signal uses advanced analysis of real-time network data together with customer and payment data, during live transactions, to effectively detect and mitigate social engineering attempts aimed at deceiving and defrauding account holders. The solution can incorporate this data across 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G Volte and Wi-Fi calling for multiple mobile network operators and is currently being extended to support UK landlines.

Results from banks using the solution include:

  • Reduced the number of people scammed by 41%.
  • Decreased fraud losses from scams by 44%.
  • Lowered false positives (payments flagged as fraud that are in fact genuine) by 55%.

“Stopping any kind of scam or fraud requires a real-time response,” said Matt Cox, vice president and general manager of FICO in EMEA. “Working with JT, we have integrated Scam Signal with our omni-channel communications solution so that banks can easily interact directly with their customers to provide warnings and guidance that can prevent them from sending a payment to a fraudster, reducing the number of people who fall victim to scams.”

About the Credit & Collections Technology Awards

The Credit & Collections Technology Awards recognize excellence and innovation in the UK credit and collections industry. These prestigious Awards are judged by an independent panel of industry experts.

The full list of winners is at https://awards.credit-connect.co.uk/awards-winners.