5G trial launched

Wednesday 20 November 2019

Sure has started trialling 5G mobile technology, and it needs customers to help evaluate its performance.

The telecoms company will be trialling the technology for three months across the Channel Islands to see how it will work.

Eligible customers have been contacted directly with details of the trial and those who choose to participate will be given a free 5G router in their home or business.  

They will be asked to provide feedback on their experience via a series of online surveys to help understand the value of 5G for consumers and businesses and to test the feasibility of providing enhanced broadband services via 5G in the islands.

Pictured: 5G should provide faster speeds.

Sure describes 5G as the "transformational next generation of mobile technology" which should provide much faster data speeds, greater network capacity, improved connections, better coverage and lower latency.

“5G is the future which offers the opportunity to connect communities in ways we’ve never seen before so we’re excited to be launching this comprehensive trial to assess the different ways consumers and businesses will want to use this ground breaking technology”, said Justin Bellinger, Chief Digital Officer at Sure 

“At Sure customers are at the heart of everything we do. We want 5G to benefit everyone so it’s very important for us that our customers can trial this latest technology and give feedback on their experience so we can develop a network that is truly impactful and beneficial to their daily lives.

“We want to launch a considered, ubiquitous 5G network aligned with the States of Guernsey’s progressive and ambitious Future of Telecoms policy. Sure fully supports the strategy and we intend to work closely with both the Government and Cicra to bring the most   relevant solution to the island to support innovation in our economy in an increasingly digital future.

“Sure is very much committed to Guernsey and 5G will form an integral part of our comprehensive five year investment plan for the Bailiwick.”

The Committee for Economic Development’s lead for Digital, Vice-President Deputy Andrea Dudley Owen said: “It remains the Committee’s firm view that Guernsey’s digital connectivity needs to be of the highest standard in order to deliver the required benefits to Guernsey’s economy and community. Development of next generation mobile connectivity is a key part of that and it is therefore very positive progress to see 5G trials begin in the island. The trials will be an opportunity to gain first-hand local experience of the new technology before a wider roll-out is commenced.”