JT’s pioneering fibre project shortlisted for Global Telecoms Awards

Gigabit Jersey – JT’s project that will soon see every home and business in the Island connected directly to super-fast broadband – has been shortlisted in the Global Telecoms Awards.

The Gigabit Jersey project began in 2012. Since then over 94%* of broadband services have now been directly connected to the fibre network. Therefore, it means that Jersey is now ranked first in the world in terms of percentage of broadband services with a full-fibre connection to broadband.

It will also allow the Island to become the first in the world to completely replace its ageing copper wire network. This has served the telecoms industry well for over a century. However, it can now be replaced with fast, reliable and secure fibre-optic cables.

JT Shortlisted Against Some Big Players

Now in its fifth year, the Global Telecoms Awards celebrates a broad range of global accolades. This year sees JT shortlisted in the Fixed Network Evolution category of the awards, against some big players from around the globe.

JT Chief Executive Officer Graeme Millar said: “When we began the Gigabit Jersey project, some people were understandably cautious. They questioned whether it was necessary for the Island. However, we knew then that device use and bandwidth would grow. This is in line with more and more services being delivered digitally. I’m pleased that the Global Telecoms Awards judges have recognised the importance of our insight. And also our investment in full-fibre connectivity in this shortlisting. The need for fibre is now evident publicly. I’m so glad we made the decision early on. We’re now in the fortunate position where major UK operators are trying to catch up.”

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For further information or to set up interviews, please contact Julien Morel at Direct Input. Telephone 01534 735253 or email julien@directinput.je

Notes to Editors
The Global Telecoms Awards are organised by Telecoms.com, a respected independent news portal covering the latest technological advancements and market trends. Focusing on the key business and technology issues facing the industry today. The awards take place in London on 2 November.

*Figures correct as of September 2017

About JT

JT joins Channel Islands’ effort to support those affected by Hurricane Irma

JT has joined the Channel Islands’ response to the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma. Jt have waived all roaming charges for any JT customer caught up in the disaster until they can return.

The company, which is owned by the people of Jersey, is also working with Island authorities to identify other ways to help. This could include sending engineers and equipment to the region.

JT Chief Executive Officer Graeme Millar said: “Like most people, I have been following events in the Caribbean and Florida closely. I’ve been truly shocked and saddened by the scale of the devastation. Being a global business with worldwide roaming agreements, JT is in a position to be able to offer practical help. Especially to Channel Islanders caught up in the aftermath of this terrible natural disaster.

“We have heard stories of communities being cut off from the outside world. This is due to of a lack of communication. So, it’s comforting to know that we can offer some help to islanders and their families back home.

“Being a small island ourselves, I think we feel a natural empathy with the impacted Caribbean communities. Particularly, as we have strong business links with many of them. JT has used social media to ask affected customers to contact us. The engagement has been heartening, with hundreds of people expressing their solidarity and support. I would like to encourage as many people as possible to share our posts with their friends. We want to spread the message far and wide.”

One story from the Caribbean illustrates how JT’s global reach has already had a positive impact. Jersey couple Tim and Shona Ringsdore live in the British Virgin Islands. Consequently, their home was badly damaged when Hurricane Irma struck last Wednesday. All phone lines were down – except Mrs Ringsdore’s JT mobile. This has been the only way that the couple has been able to let friends and family know that they are safe.

Their London-based daughter, Katy, said: “That one phone has been an absolute live-saver. Only could mum and dad let me and my sister know that they’re safe using JT. Also the whole neighbourhood has been using it to speak to friends and family. I know that a couple of international businesses had lost contact with some of their BVI employees. However, through the JT phone, mum and dad were able to track them down. That one JT phone has made a massive contribution.”

JT customers in the region affected by Hurricane Irma should send a Direct Message to JT via the company’s Facebook page. Alternatively, Islanders who know of affected JT customers can contact the JT Contact Centre on 882882 to leave details.

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For further information or to set up interviews, please contact Julien at Direct Input. Telephone 01534 735253 or email julien@directinput.je

About JT

JT Daredevils skydived for dementia

Ten brave JT Daredevils skydived out of a plane yesterday [Sunday 3 September] . They were raising money for JT’s chosen charity, Jersey Alzheimer’s Association. The intrepid volunteers plunged at 130 mph for 30 seconds. At 10,000 feet above St Aubin’s Bay they parachuted down to land close to the Gunsite slipway. Colleagues, family and friends came down to welcome the Daredevils back to earth and applaud their courage.

After another successful annual JT Charity Day in June, 35 staff members signed up to become JT Daredevils. Ten were selected at random. They became the first JT Daredevils. The skydivers raised a fantastic £1000 for Jersey Alzheimer’s Association.

Everyone got involved

Emma Wileman, Credit Collection Manager at JT and chosen Daredevil, said: “It was absolutely incredible! It’s great that so many of us signed up to skydive from across the business. Consequently, directors, engineers and call centre staff were all involved. It’s been a talking point across the whole company. This means that everyone has been involved. That’s brought us all closer together as well as helped with the fundraising.”

JT runs several charitable initiatives throughout the year. At the beginning of 2017, staff voted for their Charity of the Year.  They chose Jersey Alzheimer’s Association. Staff in other locations are also supporting local Alzheimer’s-related charities.

Christophe Château, Head of Culture and Staff Engagement at JT, said: “Staff enthusiasm and engagement at JT never ceases to amaze me. After getting everyone to wear odd shoes earlier this year for our annual JT Charity Day, who would have thought we could get ten members of staff to jump out of a plane? I am so proud of my colleagues for taking the leap. Also for raising a tremendous £1000 for Jersey Alzheimer’s Association.”

Mark Blamey, Manager of Jersey Alzheimer’s Association, said: “We can’t thank JT enough for choosing to support us this year. Performing a tandem charity skydive is certainly an impressive feat. So, we’re excited to see what the JT Daredevils will do next! Their efforts will help us to support local people living with dementia and their families.”

The JT Daredevils were not only skydiving to fundraise for Jersey Alzheimer’s Association but to raise awareness of World Alzheimer’s Day. This takes place on Thursday 21 September. JT is now well on its’ way to achieve its £20,000 target for Alzheimer’s-related charities.

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NOTES TO EDITORS
Issued by Julien Morel at Direct Input. Telephone 01534 735253 or email julien@directinput.je for more information.

JT powering Super League Triathlon

JT is the official Technology Partner for a world-class triathlon event being held in Jersey next month. 50 of the world’s leading male and female triathletes. This includes 25 olympians from around the world who will compete in Jersey, British Isles, for the Super League Triathlon crown on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September.

The line-up will include the UK’s Jonny Brownlee, Mario Mola Diaz from Spain, South Africa’s Richard Murray, three-time Olympian Flora Duffy from Bermuda, and Jersey’s own Dan Halksworth.

Therefore, two days of intense competition will be televised and streamed around the globe. JT is also providing technical support, mobile communications and super-fast internet access to the broadcast team and race organisers. JT has pedigree in this area: two years ago, the company was Technology Partner to the successful 2015 Island Games in Jersey, providing the technology to make the Games the most connected in its history.

A World-Class Event

Graeme Millar, Chief Executive Officer of JT, said: “A world-class event needs world class infrastructure, which JT is well placed to provide. Because of our investment in our mobile and fibre networks, a significant sporting roadshow like the Super League Triathlon can arrive in the Island and broadcast to millions of people with relative ease.

“The St Helier Waterfront is also a perfect backdrop for this weekend. A weekend of intense competition. I’m sure the whole Island will get behind it. So, I’m pleased that JT can play its part in showcasing Jersey to the world.”

Super League Triathlon founder Micheal D’Hulst said: “One of the reasons why Jersey is a perfect venue for this action-packed event is not only because of its striking beauty but also because of its fantastic infrastructure. So, from an outsider’s perspective, it’s incredible to think that such a small island can have mobile and broadband networks. Especially ones that put much larger jursdictions to shame. Therefore, JT’s can-do attitude has been invaluable and has given us huge confidence in the Island. We’re already planning on coming back.”

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Issued by Julien Morel at Direct Input. Telephone 01534 735253 or email
julien@directinput.je for more information.

Notes to Editors
Super League Triathlon aims to bring mainstream attention to triathlon. Moving the sport into the ‘big league’ of sport entertainment. Athletes compete in a series of rounds which incorporate the three disciplines of triathlon over short ‘super-sprint’ distances.

Autism Centre moves a step closer thanks to Autism Jersey golf day

The annual Autism Jersey golf day, sponsored by JT, took place on Friday 11 August at La Moye Golf Club raising over £20,000 for the charity.

A dry day and yet another excellent turn-out ensured the success of the day. This involved 22 teams enjoying a round of 18 holes followed by lunch. This was served in the nearby Les Creux Bowls Club due to the refurbishment of the club house. A raffle and auction, including a golf flag signed by Henrik Stenson, winner of the 145th Open Championship, boosted the funds raised. These will go directly towards the development of a purpose-built Autism Centre in Jersey.

The winning team was Kedge Capital with an outstanding score of 94. Followed by Continuum with 91 and Estera with 89. Meanwhile, individual prizes went to Dan Burchell of CPA Global for the men’s longest drive. Also to Brona Lambert of Moore Stephens for the women’s longest drive. Finally, to Steve Morgan of Quilter Cheviot for nearest the pin.

Nick Winsor, the Chairman of Autism Jersey, said: “Once again the Autism Jersey Charity Golf Day was a great success. I was delighted that our patron, the Lieutenant Governor Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, could join us. The important work of Autism Jersey would not be possible without the generous support of local businesses. I would like to make a special mention of the sponsor for the day, JT.”

Daragh McDermott, Director for Corporate Affairs at JT said: “Autism Jersey is a charity which offers invaluable support to Islanders affected by autism and their families. We are, as ever, very pleased to support them in their fundraising efforts by sponsoring them. As well as taking part in this phenomenally popular annual golf day at La Moye Golf Club. Not only did it stay dry but there was some great golf demonstrated by the participants.  Thanks must go to each team for their support once again and congratulations to all the winners.”

Autism Jersey aims to raise at least £1.5 million for the centre in a joint effort with the States of Jersey. It is envisaged that the centre will be operational in 2019.

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NOTES TO EDITORS
Issued by Julien Morel at Direct Input. Telephone 01534 735253 or email julien@directinput.je for more information.

About JT

‘Roaming’ doubles this summer following cost reductions

JT has seen a 100% increase in customers’ data usage while abroad since reducing roaming rates by 95% at the start of the summer.

JT was the first local telecommunications provider to introduce significant roaming reductions. This means that customers are enjoying savings of up to 85% when compared to other local providers. Plus with a roaming ‘bolt-on’ JT customers can now roam for as little as 10p per MB in the UK and France.

On average customers have already doubled their communications activity while roaming. They make 20 minutes of outbound calls, send 33 texts and are now using 145 MB of data. This is equivalent to streaming close to 5 hours of music on Spotify.

Now, also with the introduction of 4G roaming only from JT, JT is the first to offer the most flexible and cost effective all round roaming offer.  Plus, with super-fast connectivity. For customers travelling to the UK and Europe, downloading maps, accessing emails or sending large attachments and uploading holiday snaps, it is as quick and easy as it is at home.

Dominic Vye, JT’s Head of Commercial Development, said: “It is excellent to see islanders taking full advantage of reduced roaming rates while on holiday this summer. We specifically launched our reduced rates before the summer holidays started. This was so families, travellers and holidaymakers could take full advantage of the reduced charges this summer. We still encourage all our customers to roam responsibly while abroad. Please ask in store if you have any questions.”

As the Channel Islands are not part of Europe, local operators are still charged to connect their customers by the international telecoms companies.

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NOTES TO EDITORS

  • JT introduced the option for customers to cap their data roaming so they can limit their usage to no more than £50 worth of data. JT also has other ways to control spending, including:
  • JT’s FREE Apps, which let customers monitor their usage in near real time.
  • Adding a Roaming bolt-on to their account for just £5 per month will further reduce data charges to as little as 10p per MB in the UK and France.
  • Using Wi-Fi whenever possible is another way to control costs.
  • Plus JT Fibre customers can access over 20 million FREE JT Fon Wi-Fi hotspots around the world.

Issued by Hannah Reed at Direct Input. Telephone 01534 735253 or email hannah@directinput.je for more information.

About JT

JT mobile customers can now enjoy super-fast internet access when roaming

After cutting its roaming rates by up to 95%, JT has more good news to share. Its customers can now roam on 4G. This means super-fast internet access and download speeds when on the move.

JT has the Channel Islands fastest network and is the only provider to offer superfast 4G roaming. For customers travelling to the UK and Europe, downloading maps, accessing emails or sending large attachments will now be as quick and easy as it is at home.

This latest positive news for customers follows JT’s recent announcement that it is cutting its roaming rates across Europe by 95%.

Whilst enjoying the freedom, JT is reminding its customers to roam responsibly and is introducing the option for customers to cap their data roaming so they can limit their usage to no more than £50 worth of data. JT also has other ways to control spending, including:

– JT’s free Apps, which let customers monitor their usage in near real time.
– Adding a Roaming bolt-on to their account to further reduce data charges to as little as 10p per MB in the UK and France.
– Using Wi-Fi whenever possible, plus JT Fibre customers can access over 20 million free JT Fon Wi-Fi hotspots around the world.

Dominic Vye, JT’s Head of Commercial Development, said: “We have been delighted by the positive response to our new roaming rates, which match our local out of bundle rates and apply to all JT customers. Now superfast 4G roaming will allow people to download data at similar speeds to high-speed broadband whilst on the move. The new rates and 4G speeds are exciting developments but we still urge our customers to plan ahead before they roam and then roam responsibly.”

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NOTES TO EDITORS
Issued by Julien Morel at Direct Input. Telephone 01534 735253 or email julien@directinput.je for more information.

Find a big green envelope and win big thanks to JT

Eight giant envelopes have been hidden around Jersey every week day until next Wednesday, each containing a fantastic prize. The giant envelopes contain FREE vouchers for well-known brands as part of JT’s Deals You Can’t Ignore campaign ; Islanders are being encouraged to start hunting now to win big!  There have already been three winners.

To claim their voucher and win, all the lucky envelope finder needs to do is take a selfie with it plus their location, like JT’s Facebook page, JT Social, and post their picture with the hashtag #PickMeUp to our page.

Then, take the envelope to the JT Store on Queen Street, where one of the team will exchange it for their FREE voucher.

JT’s Head of Marketing Tamara O’Brien said: “A bit like the recent Pokemon craze these fantastic envelopes are popping up everywhere and with the sunshine out it’s the ideal time to go for a ‘treasure hunt’!  We came up with the idea to help give some lucky islanders a nice surprise.  So if you want to Join Together and have some fun, keep an eye out for the big green envelopes!”

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Issued by Julien Morel at Direct Input. Telephone 01534 735253 or email julien@directinput.je for more information.

About JT

JT will cut the cost of roaming by 95% across Europe

After negotiating with over 150 international partners, JT will cut the cost of roaming in EU countries. As of Thursday 15 June, mobile phone users in Europe will be free to use their regular call, text and internet allowances anywhere within the EU. This will be at no extra cost under new rules which abolish data roaming charges across the union.

The Channel Islands are not part of the EU. Hence, they do not benefit from the new rules. Since JT became aware of the EU mandate, it has been working hard to secure a pricing reduction. Across Europe, there is considerable disparity between operators about how they are servicing their customers in line with the new lower EU roaming rates. There has been confusion around compliance and the real benefits for the user. Customers needed clarity and the best deal possible. Because of this JT has reached out to their international partners to discuss an arrangement for its customers.

Talking to over 150 EU-based operators that provide JT customers with roaming across the EU, JT has successfully negotiated lower agreements with each operator. Consequently, JT will offer new rates for roaming in July. These rates will be substantially and dramatically lower. Lower than JT currently has to charge. Albeit they will not be able to match exactly the EU rates.

Dominic Vye, JT’s Head of Commercial Development, said: “For some years, we have been working closely with international providers. It is a testament to these strong relationships that our customers can now use their phones like they do at home. Without these relationships, it is unlikely that we could have negotiated such a fantastic deal for our JT customers.”

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NOTES TO EDITORS
Issued by Hannah Reed at Direct Input. Telephone 01534 735253 or email
hannah@directinput.je for more information.

About JT

Annual Review for 2016: Another strong year for JT

JT Group today (6 June) publishes its Annual Review for 2016. This shows a 14% increase in operating profit on the previous year. Therefore, 2016 was a strong year with gross profit rising by 1% to £90.7m, mainly generated by JT’s highly successful international machine-to-machine1 business, enabling JT to deliver a healthy dividend back to its ultimate owners, the people of Jersey. The dividend paid to the States of Jersey increased from £4.1m to £5.5m.

In 2016, Jersey consolidated its position as one of the most connected places on earth. With 84% of broadband customers directly connected to fibre. Therefore, the Island is now in second place in the world, and in first place in Europe, in terms of the percentage of broadband homes directly connected to super-fast, fibre-optic services.

JT’s super-fast 4G mobile networks in Jersey and Guernsey also became, officially, the fastest in the Channel Islands, as verified by Speedtest by Ookla, the world’s most popular internet performance testing service.

Growth in International Business

The year saw considerable growth in JT’s international business, which now accounts for 65% of the company’s revenue. A particular focus is the Internet of Things (IoT), which is not only an exciting emerging global technology but also allows JT to utilise the 600+ roaming agreements it has with other operators around the world. JT SIM cards now connect more than one million devices worldwide. The division charged with developing the company’s international business – JT Wholesale – grew by 29% in 2016.

Closer to home, the IoT is enabling JT to offer new communications technologies to its customers in Jersey. In December, the company launched the Channel Islands’ first low-power radio network (‘LoRa’), which allows devices to share data securely.

1. Machine to Machine (or M2M): direct communication between devices via a mobile network.
2. Internet of Things: A system of interrelated devices that have the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.
3. LoRa (LongRange): A wide area, low frequency radio network for wireless battery-operated devices that requires very little power to run. It is ideally suited for simple and regular data transfer, such as monitoring air pollution.

A Strong Set of Results

JT CEO, Graeme Millar, commented: “Against a background of intense competition and global uncertainty, this is a strong set of results. 2016 was a year of investment, diversification, relationship-building and growth in areas that we believe will offer substantial returns for many years to come.

“The most obvious is the continuing roll out of our Gigabit project in Jersey. With 84% of broadband customers now having fibre connected directly to their homes, we are extremely close to all broadband households having a superfast connection to the internet. The significance of this milestone should not be under-estimated and we expect to finish connecting practically all broadband households to fibre within the next 12 months.

“This set of results is also dependent on our customers and I thank them for their loyalty and engagement. Their willingness to work in partnership with us helps JT to provide the services they need to remain connected.

Always Improving

“Although last year’s performance across the Group was strong, we know we have much more to achieve, and have already been working hard in 2017 to make sure our service is always improving.”

JT Group Chairman, John Stares, added: “I would like to thank the team for their hard work in delivering this solid set of results for 2016, which means we have increased our value to our shareholder through a healthily increased dividend.

“JT’s international growth is impressive but it in no way means that the company is less committed to our Channel Islands’ home. On the contrary, growing revenues internationally not only means that we can invest more in our local network, it also means that our shareholder has extra funds to invest in essential infrastructure and services.”

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Issued by Julien Morel at Direct Input. Telephone 01534 735253 or email
julien@directinput.je for more information.

CEO Graeme Millar is available for interview from 1430 on Tuesday 6 June. Please contact Julien to arrange. To see a copy of JT’s 2016 Annual Review & Financial statements visit: www.jtglobal.com/annualreview

NOTES TO EDITORS
JT is a full-service Tier-1 global consumer and business enterprise provider based in the Channel Islands with over 120 years’ experience. JT offers a domestic and global customer base a range of world-class services including; voice and data; consultancy; co-location; leading-edge data hosting; internet; security; cloud back-up; fixed and mobile technologies; e-Gaming; M2M (see footnote); cloud services, fully managed IT services; and wholesale solutions. Hence, across 11 global locations, JT employs over 600 staff. These staff provide products and services to over one million global consumer subscribers. Also to 2,177 active business customers. JT has an international presence across Europe, Asia and the United States that has aided its evolution in becoming a leading supplier in roaming services.