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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.”

ENDS

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

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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!”

ENDS

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

About JT
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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.”

ENDS

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

About JT
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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.”

ENDS

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.

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How much is that doggie in the window? Pug-love kicks off JT’s 2017 charity campaign

A cardboard cut-out of a Pug dog on display in the window of JT’s Queen Street store has been auctioned off. This has kick-started JT’s 2017 charity campaign to support charities linked to Alzheimer’s Disease.

On social media the two-dimensional dog generated a lot of interest on JT’s Facebook page. 100’s of followers asked if they could have the two-foot pooch once it had finished its duty of promoting JT’s New JT One campaign.

JT decided to auction off the pug on Facebook. And, Kirsten Murphy became the proud new owner with her winning £35 bid. The cut-out featured in her daughter’s birthday celebrations.

Running until next March, JT’s 2017 fundraising drive will support Jersey Alzheimer’s Association and Guernsey Alzheimer’s Association. Plus, other related charities in London, Melbourne and Boston, where JT also has offices. The fundraising target this year £20,000.

A New Owner for a Dog in Need of a Home

Christophe Chateau, JT Group Head of Culture and Staff Engagement, said: “What better way to launch a charity campaign than by finding a new owner for dog in need of a home. In all seriousness, though, JT has a proud record of supporting local charities. Kirsten’s donation gets the ball rolling. Last year, we raised over £25,000 for baby-related charities. I’m sure our amazing people will raise a similar amount for charities supporting islanders with Alzheimer’s Disease. This is the most common type of dementia and more prevalent as the numbers of elderly people increase.

“Throughout the year, JT people will run, walk, dress-up, bake, and collect for charity, and lots more besides. Our customers too are incredibly supportive. It promises to be a busy year.”

Mark Blamey, Manager at Jersey Alzheimer’s Association said: “ We are thrilled that JT and their employees have chosen to support the Jersey Alzheimer’s Association this year. We are a local charity for local people whose lives have been touched by dementia. We are reliant on money raised by individuals and businesses to continue the work we are doing. This is for the people with dementia and their families.”

ENDS

Kirsten Murphy, winner of the JT Pug

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

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‘Books for Tablets’ collects 2016 Telephone Directories

23 local primary schools have joined JT’s 2017 ‘Books for Tablets’ recycling campaign this year.

With every 150 phonebooks collected by each primary school, JT will donate to them a Smart Tablet.  At the end of the recycling competition, the school that has collected the most directories also wins a free digital workshop.

Tamara O’Brien, JT’s Head of Marketing, Brand and Distribution, said: “Last year’s JT ‘Books for Tablets’ competition was a tremendous success. We are really keen to build on that this year. With 24 schools signed up for the programme we are off to a tremendous start. We should be able to recycle even more directories and reward even more pupils for their efforts.”

Tamara said: “The competition is now into its 21st year, and has given thousands of school children a practical way of learning about recycling. Last year the schools collected a total of 8,312 directories. This has secured 60 tablets for them in total. We hope the pupils will be able to encourage family and friends to give them their directories this year to recycle so they can help their school win even more JT Smart Tablets. This allows the schools to enjoy the latest technology.”

The new 2017 JT Directory is being delivered to all homes and businesses in Jersey over the coming weeks. Additional copies will also be available for collection at JT’s Queen Street store once distribution is completed.

JT has joined together with Jersey Post this year to help ensure the 2016 telephone directories can be disposed of. Especially in an environmentally responsible way across the Island. Jersey Post will collect directories from the recycling points set up at The Co-operative Grand Marché. Also at St Peter and St Helier, the Parish Halls. As well as at the new Household Reuse and Recycling Centre at La Collette.

The JT ‘Books for Tablets’ competition runs from 18th April to 20th May.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

  • For every 150 phone books collected, JT will donate one tablet to the primary school. 24 schools are taking part in this year’s competition.
  • Last year 8,312 directories were collected and 60 tablets donated.
  • JT are asking the schools to get involved on Facebook and Twitter, posting updates on how their collection is going and tagging @JTSocial
  • Photograph: Last year’s winners, St Luke’s Primary School, who collected a total of 2,250 and were presented with 15 brand new Alcatel tablets by JT.

 Directory Recyling

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

About JT
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Join Together for FREE travel on JT’s big green bus this Friday

Passengers catching the green JT-sponsored double-decker bus on Friday will result in FREE travel, as part of JT’s new Deals You Can’t Ignore campaign.

The eye-catching bus will be on the Number 15 route between Liberation Station and the Airport and all journeys and travel on it will be free all day, thanks to JT.

Tamara O’Brien, JT’s Head of Marketing, Brand and Distribution, said: “Throughout the
year, JT will be offering lots more incredible deals, starting with this latest pay-as-you-go
offer. This really offers islanders a great deal so we wanted to spread the word and some
kindness this Friday. There is no catch … if you jump on the JT green bus, the journey is
on us.

The first Deal You Can’t Ignore offers 4GB of superfast 4G mobile data, 500 minutes and
500 texts every time a customer tops up just £5 via the ‘JT My Top Up’ app which is
available to download on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Islanders may have
already seen the promotion of the offer around the island featuring some unusual Jersey
cows in Queen Street and the Airport.

The JT double-decker bus also highlights the fact that JT powers the fastest internet and
mobile networks in the Channel Islands, as confirmed by the Speedtest Awards from
Ookla, the world’s No. 1 internet text.

ENDS

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

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Alive After 5 – Town Centre life doesn’t end at 5.30pm!

The Parish of St Helier and the Retail Development Group are pleased to announce the launch of Alive After 5. Over 50 retailers in St Helier will be taking part by opening to 6pm Monday to Friday. 20 opening late on Thursdays to 7pm. The later shopping hours start from Monday 3rd April and continue until Friday 29th September 2017.

The shift towards later opening hours mimics the hugely successful Alive After 5 campaigns in many cities and town centres across the UK. It is also a reaction to changing consumer shopping habits. Shoppers like a ‘Town Centre experience’. They want to take their time, try items on, and perhaps enjoy an al fresco coffee or a trip to the salon. By remaining open later into the evening we improve the customer shopping experience by allowing St Helier’s fantastic retail offer to become accessible at a time when people are available to shop. When they have finished work.

The scope for the benefits of Alive After 5 go far beyond the retail sector. St Helier’s restaurants, bars and cultural venues will also have later shopping hours. As shoppers stay in town later into the evening they will potentially meet with friends for dinner, drinks or a trip to the theatre or cinema.

The Alive After 5 social media pages promote the retailers who are open to 6pm or later Monday to Friday. It also provides information on St Helier restaurants and detail the many cultural activities on offer from 5pm.

A Positive Step for Businesses

“We have a fantastic offer in St Helier. When retailers remain open for longer that offer becomes accessible for more people to enjoy. This is a really positive step for businesses, customers and St Helier’s evening economy.” Daphne East, Town Centre Manager

“The later opening hours are a reaction to changing consumer shopping habits. But also keep up to date with other successful ‘Alive After 5’ campaigns launched in cities and towns across the UK and Europe. St Helier has a successful, diverse and unique range of shops. It’s important to make that available for customers, both local and tourists, to enjoy at a time that is convenient for them.” David Elliot, Chairman of the Retail Development Group

 “There’s no doubt that shopping habits have changed. Customers appreciate the opportunity to shop beyond the traditional 5:30pm closing time. Sure is pleased to participate in the Alive After 5 initiative and offer our customers the chance to shop with us at their convenience.” John Harvey, Head of Retail at Sure.

“The Consumer Council called out to Islanders in our December 2016 Newsletter asking ‘When do you shop and would you shop between 5pm and 6pm in town?’ Consumers called for greater flexibility in shopping hours. Especially having the opportunity to shop later in the day. The Council welcomes the Alive After 5 initiative. Versatility and change must be embraced.” Anne King, Jersey Consumer Council

“Listening to our customers and responding to their changing behaviour is right at the heart of what we do. So, JT stands fully behind this initiative. It will help us to support more customers when and where they need it. Our team are looking forward to being available at more convenient times.” Tamara O’Brien, Head of Marketing, Brand & Distribution at JT

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JT’s 2017 Telephone Directory celebrates old and new buried treasure

The 2017 Telephone Directory is launching in Jersey this week. It’s cover showcases both Jersey’s rich history and the investments that are being made into the Island’s future.

Coins featured on the directory cover were unearthed in 2012. Two local men discovered a treasure of 2,000-year-old compacted gold, silver and copper coins and jewellery in a field in Grouville. The hoard has since been disassembled and is now on display at La Hougue Bie.

At the same time as the discovery, JT launched its ‘Gigabit Jersey’ project. This replaced its long standing copper network with fibre-optic cables running directly to all homes and businesses in Jersey. Five years later, over 70% of properties now enjoy super-fast broadband. Provided by running down reliable and scalable fibre. The project is due to be completed in 2018.

Therefore, this illustrates a hugely significant development. A development that puts Jersey third in the world in terms of jurisdictions with households connected directly to fibre. JT has commissioned glass worker and Genuine Jersey Member Glyn Burton to create a symbolic piece of art from glass.  Glass is the main component of a fibre optic cable. The piece brings to life the opportunities which a ‘fibre future’ offers our island.

Valuable Posessions

His intricate work, overlaid on the cover with ancient coins from the hoard, demonstrates both the beauty and versatility of glass. It also represents the fibre future our island now enjoys. The images are represented by the headline: “Years on, and we still bury our most valuable possessions”.

JT Chief Executive Officer Graeme Millar said: “In terms of historical significance, connecting all homes and businesses directly to fibre is genuinely comparable to the discovery of the Coin Hoard. We wanted to make that link. In years to come, I have no doubt that this investment by JT and the States of Jersey will be one that brings the Island new opportunities and prosperity. It felt appropriate and meaningful to celebrate this future on the cover of the JT Directory. One which sits in homes and business across the island.”

JT would like to thank Mr Burton, the Genuine Jersey Products Association and Jersey Heritage for their help in the cover design.

2017 JT Directories will be delivered to all homes and businesses in Jersey. Copies will also available for collection at JT’s Queen Street store.

Hence, we feel it is our responsibility to take care of the disposal of our telephone directories. Therefore, please recycle 2016 directories at:

– The Co-operative Grand Marché, St Peter’s and St Helier

– Parish Halls

– The Household Reuse & Recycling Centre, La Collette

ENDS

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

Local filmmaker Callum Thorne has created a short video to tell this story:
https://youtu.be/TNMNa5QGJ4Q

Photograph credit: Callum Thorne http://www.callumthorne.com/

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JT employees raise over £25,000 for charities

Two important Channel Island charities that support premature and sick babies have received a boost from employees at JT.

Over 2016, employees have raised £25,410.98 for Friends of SCBU, and the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation in Guernsey. JT also has offices in London, Melbourne and Boston and the money will also support baby-related charities in these cities.

In Jersey, the money has been used to buy two state-of-the-art portable heart monitors to be used in antenatal to monitor the fetal heart rate. Also in Guernsey, the money is being used to equip The Burrow – the PPBF’s new property in Southampton, which will be used by families with children being cared for at the nearby hospital.

We are Delighted

Neil Maclachlan, consultant obstetrician gynaecologist at Jersey’s General Hospital, said: “Not only do these new pieces of equipment closely monitor high-risk babies and assess potentially high-risk babies, they also hold essential historical data – providing the team with a large database of collective experience and knowledge to support our own visual assessments. We are so delighted with the monitors. Therefore, i’d like to thank JT employees for raising the funds for us to buy them.”

The PPBF was founded by three times World Touring Car Championship champion Andy Priaulx and his wife Jo, Andy said: “Thanks to an incredible amount of fundraising and genorisity, we have been able to purchase The Burrow but we still need to fundraise for furnishings, decoration, equipment and general maintenance in order for it to open its doors in the summer, as planned. So, JT’s fantastic contribution will help make this a reality.

JT raised money throughout 2016. Their efforts included:

  • Taking part in the Jersey It’s a Knockout Challenge.
  • Holding a Christmas staff raffle.
  • Having a Staff Charity Day, complete with cake sales, barbecues and sponsored silences.
  • Swapping gifts usually given at corporate Christmas events for donations. Is this the reverse advent calender? Why not say it?
  • Also, customers donating money in JT’s stores and sponsored events, such as Jersey Live and Guernsey’s Join Together Day.

Christophe Chateau, Group Head of Culture & Staff Engagement at JT, said: “Every year I am bowled over by the massive efforts of JT employees to support our partner charities. Striving to make a positive difference is part of JT’s culture. Therefore, this extends to the enthusiasm my colleagues show in their energy  for fundraising.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS
To find out more about JT’s Chosen Charity please visit: /Global/Global-Landing-Page/CSR/Chosen-Charity/Our-People/

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