Just 4 years on from the successful deployment of its 4G network JT is again partnering with ZTE to create a new 5G mobile network for our Islands. The deal was signed on Tuesday in Shenzhen, China, during an official Jersey trade delegation to further develop the Islands’ business links with Asia.

Now contracts are signed, JT will begin work with ZTE on this new network. Aiming to launch a test service during 2019, subject to CICRA licensing spectrum. Whilst the 5G standard is not complete yet, JT aims to roll out incremental improvements as standards solidify and expects to offer a Channel Island wide service by 2021.

5G enables download speeds up to 10x faster than today’s speeds, together with the ability to connect many more devices. In time it will play a key part in supporting our Islands’ role as an Internet of Things ‘Digital Sandbox’. JT forecast that, in addition to thousands of IoT devices, by 2023 10% of Islanders will have 5G enabled devices.

The Best 5G Service in the World

Graeme Millar, JT CEO said: “Our goal is to build the best networks we possibly can for islanders to enjoy. We aspire to build on our island’s world beating fibre network and now offer Channel Islanders the best 5G service in the world.  Our role is to support our customers, providing them the technology to do whatever they want. By building these information super highways we make this possible.

ZTE are the ideal partner, who’ve supported us already with our 4G network. We know customers appreciate its speed and quality. Indeed, our ZTE 4G network has been ranked as the fastest in the CI by global assessor Ookla for the last three years running. We expect more of the same from our Islands’ new 5G network.

We’re committed to ensuring customers continue to enjoy the best connectivity in the world by both wire and air. The journey moving from 4G to 5G will be similar to the revolution from copper to fibre. Whilst it will be a complex project involving the complete upgrade of our mobile network, new customer handsets and other changes, we believe we are ideally placed to help our customers experience the benefits this technology offers.

It was an honour to sign this deal during a formal trade delegation visit to China. We were also able to support Jersey in developing business in Asia. So, I am proud to give voice to our Islands on the world stage. Therefore, we firmly believe the Channel Islands can hold their own in terms of connectivity against any country in the world. Thank you to Channel Islanders for supporting the development of our advanced networks and services.”

Kenneth Cao, Managing Director ZTE UK commented: “This is a key milestone for both ZTE and JT to start the journey of 5G. 5G is an enabler for technology innovation and digital transformation. At ZTE we aim to be a world leader in 5G solution development. Through our 4G partnership, ZTE are determined to provide the best possible 5G solution and service to the Channel Islands. ‘

Issued by James Filleul at Direct Input. Telephone 01534 735253 or email james@directinput.je for more information.  To find out more about 5G visit www.jtglobal.com/5G and to find out more about Ookla’s global speed test rankings visit www.jtglobal.com/fastestnetwork.

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In Photos: Graeme Millar CEO JT Group. Daragh McDermott Corporate Affairs Director JT Group. Kenneth Cao, Managing Director ZTE UK.  Dr Han Gang, Vice-President ZTE Corporation.

The ‘Best Communication Solutions Company in the Channel Islands’ has been named as JT at the 2018 UK Enterprise Awards, which focuses on the ‘SME’ sector.

Small to medium-sized enterprises constitute the vast majority of local businesses and are the engine of the Channel Island economy. JT’s Business Sales team supports this crucial sector and is a trusted partner for thousands of businesses across the islands.

 SME News Magazine

SME News Magazine organised the UK Enterprise Awards. This is  the UK’s biggest selling publication in the SME sector. JT has been recognised for the breadth of its offering, the positive impact it has in the Jersey and Guernsey communities and its recently completed ground-breaking full-fibre network.

A combination of votes gathered from a network of respected industry partners, peers and SME News’ own rigorous in-house research crowned JT the winners. JT’s performance over the past 12 months, its innovation and way of working, and its position in the market were all assessed.

Working Together to find the Best Solutions

Katie Corbett, JT’s Enterprise and Business Services Director, said: “This welcome recognition is down to the great work of everyone at JT. But also, particularly our pan-island SME team. Consequently, I’d like to thank them for their efforts. We are trusted partners of our clients, working with them to find the best solutions. Focusing on strategy and best working practices as well as technology. JT as the only locally owned telecoms company in the Channel Islands, and so has a genuine desire to play a part in the success of local SMEs.

“We’re proud to give them the tools to grow and develop their business. This year JT has connected the last broadband customer to our full-fibre network in Jersey. So, this means that locally SMEs can benefit from world-leading download and upload speeds. JT allows them to take full advantage of the internet, creating more efficient and cost effective ways of working. The technology we provide is changing the way we all do business. It is fantastic for JT and our SME team to have this international recognition.”

ENDS

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

JT is a finalist in two categories of this year’s UK Customer Experience Awards. This is the biggest ‘CX’ event of its kind in the world. Now in its ninth year, the UK Customer Experience Awards recognise those inspiring organisations who are delivering an outstanding customer experience. JT has been shortlisted in the ‘Best International Business’ and ‘CX Team of the Year’ categories.

JT’s submissions also focus on how it introduced new, far-reaching and innovative Customer Experience standards. Also their training to focus on ‘delighting’ customers. JT began a journey in 2015 to improve customers experience as part of a strategy to transform the business.  It has transformed from an on-island telecoms provider to a world-class communications brand. And has pioneered digital technology supported by first-class customer experience. This was implemented throughout the organisation by a specially trained, committed and focused team. Because of this a positive increase in levels of customer, client and employee satisfaction and engagement has been seen.

Customer Experience is a Journey Not a Destination

Tamara O’Brien, JT’s Head of Customer Experience, said: “JT has invested a lot of time and energy into improving our customer experience. So, hearing the news we are finalist in two major categories at Britain’s top CX awards against some global operators and brands is testament to the hard work of a very dedicated CX team who represent first and foremost the Voice of our Customers. The most important validation, however, is from our customers themselves. Customers who consistently tell us that JT staff are polite, knowledgeable and helpful. Also, customer experience is a journey not a destination. While we are pleased with the progress we are making, keep our customers’ needs right at the heart of our business. Therefore, ensuring we as a team represent their voice, is central to our strategy of continuous improvement.”

The other shortlisted organisations in the Best International Business Category are: Medallia in partnership with Generali, Barclays, CPM International (New Tech Division), Airbnb and Thomson Reuters. In the CX Team of the Year category, JT is alongside: Cross Country, Lowell, O2 Telefonica and BT Corporate.

The ceremony on 11 October at Wembley Stadium will be where the winners will be announced.

ENDS

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

JT has given its backing to a group of young technology pioneers who have formed the first professional organisation. With players competing in global Virtual Reality eSports competitions. JT has become the global sponsor of “Team Gravity”, founded by Jersey resident Tim McGuinness. The team competes in the game Echo Arena, which is a three-versus-three-person game of virtual ‘Ultimate Frisbee’. However, it plans to compete in more eSports and has recently recruited its fourth member.

The team competes on a weekly basis but also attends major eSports events, such as ESL One in Hamburg. and IEM Katowice in Poland. This is the biggest gaming event in the world, attracting 173,000 people and an online audience of 46 million. Team Gravity recently finished first in the European Stage Finals of Echo Arena and is looking to qualify for the World Finals.

Mr McGuinness said: “eGaming and eSports have been around for some time. But the addition of Virtual Reality takes it to a new level and is a growing global phenomenon. With VR, it is much more akin to playing a sport than a game. You need to train and you need to have the right mentality as you can play for up to three hours non-stop. It is a full body workout requiring great fitness, dexterity and skill.

“JT’s sponsorship will be crucial for us as Team Gravity grows in this brand-new industry, which has huge prospects as technology develops even further. As a player, I also have a lot to thank JT for; in the virtual space, I will be playing against people around the world, even my own teammates are based in Sweden and Germany. We rely on having a super-fast internet connection, and with JT’s full-fibre network in Jersey, I know I have the ultimate bandwidth to compete at the highest level.”

Tamara O Brien, Head of Customer Experience at JT said: “JT has been at the forefront of communications technology for more than 120 years. So, supporting VR eSports – which is fast becoming a global movement – is a great fit. Especially as Team Gravity also has a strong local connection through Tim. We’re proud to support Tim and his teammates with both funding and technology, to help them grow and develop. We wish them every success in the forthcoming World Qualifiers. We’re also looking at further local opportunities to work together in the near future. This will help show young islanders the possibilities this exciting growing sport has to offer. Watch this space.”

ENDS

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