Sure hosts TeleForum conference

Friday 30 June 2023

Sure hosted the recent annual TeleForum conference in Guernsey with discussions centred around the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability.

Set up in 2000 for participants to share experiences, issues and solutions, the TeleForum is for telecoms operators of small states, representing 19 different operators, from 24 countries such as Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland and Greenland.

The conference was attended by over 60 delegates, including the 12 different sponsors, who were also able to experience Guernsey through a series of networking events hosted at Art for Guernsey, Octopus, and Castle Cornet.

Alistair Beak, Group CEO at Sure, opened the event and led a roundtable discussion on business growth and how to be a sustainable telecoms player in a competitive market while Lucienne De La Mare, Sure’s Group HR Director, highlighted the critical importance of a highly engaged professional team.

Cyrille Joffre, Group Chief Technology and Information Officer at Sure and Deputy Chair of TeleForum, chaired a discussion on the uptake of 5G and Fibre.

“The discussions at the TeleForum conference were fascinating given the diversity of markets, culture and, therefore, of opinion from other providers in small jurisdictions," he said.

"We discussed the challenges we face as providers of telecommunication services for small jurisdictions with customers expecting the same breadth and quality as they find countries with larger populations, such as the UK.”

The event was considered a success said Mr Beak.

“The event was a great success, allowing us to touch base with similar-sized telecoms operators to share our experiences and ideas on how to deliver the best technology and service to our customers.

"The diversity of islands and jurisdictions and their operators was incredible from Greenland to Gibraltar, the Faroe Islands and Gibralta. The similarities though were striking with a focus on providing fast networks to underpin and connect our island communities for a better and more digital future.”