Category: Jersey

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.”

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.

Seamless Connectivity available for everyone who travels

In a significant enhancement to mobile services, JT has launched the first and only Data Roaming eSIM from a Channel Islands mobile network operator. The JT eSIM is now available to all Channel Islanders and visitors, offering market-leading data roaming rates in the UK and EU helping people save money, regardless of which telecoms provider they normally use – all with the simplicity and ease of eSIM technology.

So what exactly is an eSIM and how does it work? eSIM is a digital SIM already built into modern devices, like newer smartphones and tablets, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. To activate it, you just scan a QR code or download it through an app, which lets you connect to a mobile network in minutes.

The JT eSIM is the best option if you’re looking for an easy way to stay connected while travelling. You won’t need to switch SIM cards as you move across the UK and Europe, and you’ll get the lowest data rates without the worry of bill shock. It’s also perfect for visitors to the Channel Islands, whether here for a day or a month. The best part? It’s available to everyone, no matter which provider you use. It’s contract-free and doesn’t require credit checks, giving you complete flexibility and control over your mobile usage.

Lee Madden, CEO, GR8 Recruitment said: “Providing affordable connectivity for employees coming to the island to work in various sectors is essential. With JT eSIM, staying in touch with family back home and connecting with new people here is now going to be so much easier. It’s simple to setup, with no language barriers, just scan, pay, and go. It’s flexible, instant, and requires no commitment.’’

Steph Parker, Travel Influencer @bigworldsmallpockets said: ‘’JT eSIM is a game-changer for solo travellers. Instant, secure connectivity which really gives me peace of mind wherever I go. It’s affordable, easy to top up, and knows no borders. Stay connected and safe on all your adventures!’’

The beauty of this option is that the JT eSIM works across multiple countries for 30 days, making it perfect for planned business trips and holidays or spontaneous border-crossing adventures.

Tom Noel, Chief Product Officer, JT Group said: ‘‘At JT, our focus is on the customer. Our Data Roaming eSIM is easy to use, affordable, and flexible, with no long-term commitment required. You don’t need to be a JT customer to enjoy roaming with JT.

Tom added: ‘’With Many CI businesses having an international presence and with many others expanding into new markets, the JT eSIM offers a solution to one of their biggest challenges: maintaining reliable and cost-efficient global connectivity, from a trusted provider that they know they can rely on. eSIM technology is set to replace physical SIMs soon, and we’re committed to staying ahead of these changes to meet the needs of travellers everywhere.’’

Following the acquisition of Spectrum Message services earlier this year, JT Group is rapidly expanding its reach across the Americas in response to overwhelming demand. This expansion highlights JT’s commitment to combating financial crime with innovative mobile intelligence solutions and marks the introduction of their latest fraud prevention product, MoneyGuard, to new markets, reinforcing its role as a leader in financial security.

Washington based, Andreas Suma, is leading this expansion in North and Latin America. He brings over two decades of experience in developing growth strategies for top firms in the fraud prevention domain as well as significant experience in payments and digital channels across the hemisphere, including ACI Worldwide, FICO, and Clickatell. His expertise is crucial in tailoring MoneyGuard to meet the specific challenges of the American markets.

According to recent statistics, incidents of fraud involving payment platforms continue to see notable increases, with consumers reporting a 50% rise in fraudulent activities last year alone. This trend is predicted to continue, driven by evolving fraud threats and the increasing adoption of real time payments. MoneyGuard tackles this challenge head-on by integrating sophisticated mobile intelligence and customer engagement capabilities into everyday financial transactions, enhancing fraud detection and prevention in real-time. MoneyGuard currently protects over 130 million customer accounts globally and supports comprehensive communication via SMS, WhatsApp, mobile app push notifications, email, and voice, keeping customers informed through convenient, cost-effective, and preferred channels.

Tom Noel, Chief Product Officer, JT Group, said, “Our expansion into the US is driven by the urgent need for cutting-edge, accessible technology that secures consumers’ finances against increasingly sophisticated threats. MoneyGuard represents the pinnacle of our innovative efforts, blending real-time fraud detection with mobile intelligence solutions to provide a steadfast defence for consumers.”

Andreas Suma, Managing Director, JT Mobile Intelligence added, “The proven MoneyGuard solution is an ideal fit for the US market as consumers increasingly adopt real-time payments. Increasing usage of alternative payments and wallets, including the impending entry of FedNow standards, will accelerate this shift. Capabilities such as MoneyGuard allow better protections to consumers and greatly minimize friction with consumers engaged through traditional channels while notably reducing operational costs.”

With ongoing plans to expand its Mobile Intelligence solutions, JT is committed to ensuring that businesses and their customers can rely on their transactions being safeguarded by the most advanced systems available.

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.’

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 >

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.